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Compulsory moulting measures for bamboo chicken breeders
As a general practice, all chickens should be culled after 72 weeks of age. However, if market conditions are favorable and the new breeder’s production is insufficient to meet demand, a forced moulting technique can be applied to re-invigorate egg production for about three months. While this method isn’t as effective as using fresh layers, it can still help extend the productive life of older hens. Here’s how it works:
1. **Light Adjustment**: Reduce the daily light exposure from 16 hours to 8 hours. Ensure that no completely dark sheds are used—only minimal lighting is allowed. This mimics natural seasonal changes and triggers the moulting process.
2. **Feed Restriction and Reintroduction**: Stop feeding the flock gradually over a few days, allowing only water. After about 10 days, the birds will begin to shed their feathers. At this point, slowly increase the light again, starting from 8 hours and adding one hour of natural light per week until reaching 16 hours. During this time, feed should be reintroduced gradually. When feeding resumes, the chickens may become very hungry and overeat, leading to digestive issues. To prevent this, you can place sweet potatoes in the coop, which helps the birds adjust to the new feeding routine without overeating.
3. **Zinc-Based Forced Moulting**: In the past, zinc was widely used in some countries for artificial moulting. It must be handled carefully. Before applying this method, remove any sick or weak birds. Weigh 30 chickens before moulting and again after four days to monitor weight loss—this should not exceed 30%. Also, ensure that the flock is protected from cold stress. A better approach is to mix 0.025% zinc oxide into a 3.5% calcium diet for laying hens and feed it continuously for one week. Starting on day eight, switch back to a normal diet containing 0.005% zinc. Zinc has a poor taste, so on the first day, the birds may eat only half of their food. By the end of the week, their feed intake drops to less than 20% of normal levels, leading to rapid weight loss and a sharp decline in egg production. Once moulting is complete (after about two weeks), stop the zinc and allow the flock to return to normal feeding. Egg production will gradually recover over the following weeks.
Natural moulting takes around three months, while artificial methods can restore production in just one month, making it a more efficient option when needed.