Rise Organic Chicken

Organic Poultry Rising

This is a process of raising domesticated birds such as chickens,
ducks, turkeys and geese for the purpose of farming meat and eggs for food.
Poultry are farmed in great numbers with chicken being the most
numerous. More than 50 billion chickens are raised annually as a source of
food, for both their meat and their eggs. Chickens raised for eggs are usually
called layers while chickens raised for meat are often called broilers.
Chicken is a domestic fowl breed for flesh and eggs, believed to have
been developed from red jungle fowl; its scientific name is “Gallus domestic
us”. There are over 150 breeds of chicken that comes in various colors,
patterns and sizes.
The female chicken is called hen, the male is rooster, the young is
chicks, and a group of chicken is called flock. The young female is called
pullet, while the young male chicken is called cockerel.
Philippine native chicken refutably best taste chicken compared to
other breeds. They are free range, grown naturally and feed on
weeds/grasses, corn, palay, vegetable trimmings, insects and earthworms.

CHICKEN DIET
Chicken have a varied diet. They are omnivorous and will feed on
small seeds, herbs and leaves, grubs, insects and even small mammals like
mice, if they can catch them. Domestic chicken are typically fed
commercially prepared feed that includes a protein source as well as grains.
They often scratch at the soil to get an adult insects and larva or seeds.
Chickens have a well-developed gizzard (a part of a stomach that contains
tiny stones) that grinds up their food.
FLIGHTLESS BIRDS
Although chickens are flightless, they do have a tendency to attempt
flight. Chickens do this by running and flapping their wings. Unfortunately,
they are not capable of staying air borne. They sometimes can fly to very
short distances such as over fences. Chicken will sometimes attempt flight
simply to explore their surroundings, however, they will especially fly in an
attempt to flee when they perceive danger or pursued by a predator.

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CHICKEN BEHAVIOR
Chickens are gregarious birds and live together as a flock. They have a
communal approach to the incubation of eggs and rising of young.
Individual chicken in a flock will dominate others, establishing a “pecking
order”, with dominant individuals having priority for access to food and
nesting locations. Removing hens or rooster from a flock causes a temporary
disruption to this social order until a new pecking order is established.

CHICKEN REPRODUCTION
When a rooster finds food he may call the other chickens to eat it first.
He does this by clucking in a high pitch as well as picking up and dropping
the food. This is part of chicken courting ritual. When a hen becomes
familiar coming to his “call” the rooster may mate with the hen and fertilize
her egg.

BROODY HENS
Sometimes a hen will stop laying eggs to concentrate on the
incubation of her eggs. This state is commonly known as “going broody”. A
broody hen will sit fast on her nest and will protest if disturbed or removed.
she will rarely leave the nest to eat, drink or dust-bathe. All the time she is
sitting in the nest, she will regularly turn the eggs keeping them at a
constant temperature and humidity.
At the end of the incubation period, which is an average of 21 days,
the egg (if fertilized) will hatched and the broody hen will take care of her
young. Since individual eggs do not all hatch at exactly the same time(the
chicken can only lay one egg approximately 25hours),, the hen will usually
stay on the nest for about two days after the first egg hatches. During this
time, the newly-hatched chicks live off the egg yolk they absorb just before
hatching. The hen hears the chicks peeping inside the eggs, and will gently
cluck to encourage them to break out of their shells. If the eggs are not
fertilized and do not hatch, the hen will eventually grow tired of being
broody and leave the nest.
Modern egg-laying breeds rarely go broody and those that do often
stop part-way through the incubation cycle. Some breeds, such as the
Cochin, Cornish, and Silkier, regularly go broody and make excellent
mothers.

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CHICKEN LIFE SPAN
The lifespan of a chicken varies between 5-7 years although there
have been cases of chickens living 20 years or so.
BREEDS OF CHICKEN
Philippine Native Chicken is the common fowl found in the backyard
of most rural households. It is a mixture of different breeds and believed to
have descended from the domesticated red jungle fowl. It is estimated that
54% of the total chicken population of the country are native chicken
distributed as follows: Western Visayas 13.32%, southern Mindanao
10.63%, Southern Tagalog 9.51%, Central Visayas 10.36%, Cagayan Valley
9.29%.

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HOW TO PICK A HEALTHY CHICK
Chick days are in full swing and if you walk into any farm and ranch
store, chances are good that you’ll be greeted with fuzzy, adorable peeping
chicks. Who can resist? But before you scoop up your chicks, you’ll want to
make sure you’re choosing the healthiest of the flock.

Here are ways to spot a healthy chick:

 They are alert and active – may be cheeping softly, looking for food, and
will move away from you when approached. Chicks that aren’t well
will appear lethargic and constantly sleepy, and may not try to move
away when approached.
If chicks are happy, healthy and warm, they won’t huddle together when
awake.
Bright-eyed – chicks with blank stare, crusted eyes or always sleepy
may not be healthy.
Look for a beak that is not crossed over or broken – birds with beak
issues will have problems eating and drinking.

A healthy chicks

Healthy feathers – unless you’re buying an older chicken during molt,

chickens and chicks shouldn’t be missing feathers
Straight legs, feet and toes – an unhealthy chick may have difficulty
walking or have poor posture with its neck retracted into its body.
If a bird is acting dull, withdrawn or hunched over, it could indicate a
serious problem

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Chicken Eggs

 A hen requires 24 to 26 hours to produce an egg. Thirty minutes later,

she starts all over again.
 Eggs age more in one day at room temperature than in one week in
the refrigerator. So keep them in the fridge.
 The egg shell may have as many as 17,000 tiny pores over its surface.
Through them, the egg can absorb flavors and odors. Storing them
their cartons help keep them fresh.
Classification of eggs Weight

Extra Large XL 62 grams up

Large L 55-61 grams
Medium M 48-54 grams
Small S 41-47 grams
Peewee Below 41 grams
Egg Production Facilities

Egg production buildings or layer houses also use automated heating,

ventilation, water, and feed systems. These birds are housed in specially
designed cages that offer comfort and good health to the hens. These cages
provide a feeder tray and water nipple. Below the cages is an automated egg
collecting system. This system allows eggs to be collected in a very efficient
and sanitary manner.
Egg Production Practices
Raising layers for egg production requires attention to lighting,
temperature, feeding, egg production, and egg collection. It is very important
to provide hens an ideal environment to produce eggs. Control panels within
the building control the lighting program for the hens. Light programs are
important because the length of light hours indicates to the birds when to
begin egg production. When hours of light are increased, hens are brought
into production.
The ideal temperature range for a shell egg layer house is set between
57ºand 79ºF. Providing full feed to egg-producing hens is a general practice
used in egg production operations. An important production practice is to
ensure young pullets have reached a proper body weight before the onset of
laying eggs. Producers should maintain healthy birds through constant,
daily observations of birds, feeding amounts, and egg production. Records
are essential to egg-producing operations and should be a top priority.
During egg production, producers need to keep a watchful eye on the body
condition of the hens. This will help the producer to decide when to molt the
flock. A common production practice in shell egg layer houses is to induce
molting. Molting is a period of time when the birds will shed and renew their
feathers.
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 There are two types of egg collection systems used in egg production,
and grading to take place at one facility. The off-line system transports the
eggs out of the laying house directly to an egg cooling room and then
transported to an egg processing facility. Most modern egg production
operations use an in-line system. The egg is transported by a conveyer belt
to the egg processing facility. The eggs are washed, inspected, and graded
for packaging. Once packaged the egg move to a cooler room at 40 º to 45 º
F and awaits shipment.
Factors Affecting Egg Production
The factors that affect profitability in egg production are contract
payments/agreements and cash operating factors like fuel, electricity,
maintenance, and repair. Other factors, such as hen productivity, feeding
system, vaccination schedules, and molting, will also influence profitability.
Companies aid with feeding and vaccination programs. It is important to
maintain an efficient system in an egg -producing operation. Producers
must maintain all aspects of the process, as well as provide a clean and
healthy environment for the hens.

Selecting Egg Production Birds

Selection for egg production should include the following
characteristics: soft, enlarge comb and wattles; wide, moist vent; increased
distanced between the pelvic bones; increased between the pelvic arch and
keel; velvety skin; and soft, pliable, enlarged abdomen. Characteristics of a
hen that is out of production would include the following: short, hard,
shriveled comb and wattles; small, puckered, and dry vent; little distance
between the pelvic bones; short distance between pelvic arch and keel; tight,
coarse skin; and firm abdomen. There are many more detailed
characteristics for hens in production and should be fully observed before
selection.

REPLACEMENT PULLETS
Replacement pullets are raised for egg production. These pullets will
replace hens in current egg production. The pullets are raised until they
reach 20 weeks of age by the pullet producer. These birds are then
transferred to an egg production site.

Replacement Pullet Facilities

Replacement pullets are raise in a building that is like a broiler house.
The birds are grown in a similar environment and use similar equipment for
feed and water. Once these birds are ready to come into production, they are
moved to a layer house.

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Replacement Pullet Production Practices
Common production practices include maintenance of facilities,
feeding, and daily care of young, growing pullets. Pullet producers grow
specially bred chicks for egg laying production. These chicks are hatched at
a hatchery and are moved to a pullet production operation within a day or
two of being born. The chicks have been vaccinated before arriving at the
operation. Companies are very specific about vaccination programs and are
generally overseen by company representatives. The producer should be
ready for these young chicks with a clean, healthy facility. Feed and high-
quality water should be ready and available.
The pullet production, sometimes referred to as pullet replacement,
operation will maintain these birds until they are 20 weeks of age. Once the
pullet has reached this age, it will be transferred to a laying farm for egg
production. Pullets typically are mature enough for egg laying at 24 weeks.
Maintenance of facilities is similar to the practices of a broiler
operation. Cleaning, disinfecting, and providing a safe, healthy environment
for the birds is a top priority. Temperatures are uniformly. Providing proper
ventilation is a good production practice that will also help regulate
appropriate temperature and remove excess moisture. Waste management is
also a top production practice and should be set up before the birds arrive.
Factors affecting Pullet Production
The most important factor in pullet production is producing a uniform
flock with proper weights. The uniform flock will be more efficient, have a
higher peak production, and will express their full genetic potential. It is the
responsibility off the grower to ensure a uniform flock under ideal
environmental settings, feeding, and care. Many companies will provide
payment/contract incentives for uniformity and ideal body weight.

Selecting Pullets for Replacement

Pullet replacement chicks should come from a reputable hatchery and
express quality egg laying genetics and traits. As pullets grow, the producer
should have sufficient knowledge in order to identify poor growth in birds. A
good layer must have ideal body condition and attain the proper body weight
to support egg production.

BROILER BREEDERS
Boiler breeders are chickens that are used to produce fertile eggs that
will be hatched to become broilers. These chickens are selected based on
genetic background and their potential to produce high-quality meat birds.

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Breeder Facilities
Broiler breeder facilities need to provide an area for growing,
breeding, and nest boxes. Some broiler breeder houses have two levels. The
breeding, feeding area is similar to that of the broiler production house. The
flooring is covered with litter, and the birds can roam the space. The upper
level is designed for the nest boxes. This is where the hens lay eggs. These
eggs are transported on a conveyor belt to the egg collection room. The eggs
are boxed up and sent to a hatchery. Automated feeders and waterers are
used.

Breeder Production Practices

There are specific production practices that must occur for high-
quality birds to be bred and raised. Breeding bird production includes the
daily care and feeding of the females and males, which are raised in
separate buildings. These operations are contracted out by poultry
companies to raise breeder chicks to adult birds.
The female and male birds are kept separately and raised similar to a
broiler operation. The buildings provide a wide-open space for birds to roam.
Automated feeders and water are used. Lighting in this house is very
important, because the number of light hours affect egg production. It is
crucial to raise hens to a specific weight before production can begin. Once
the female birds are 20 to 25 weeks old, they are moved into the breeder
house. The females will be moved onto the nest boxes to lay fertile eggs.
Once the egg is laid, it will be transported to an egg collection room by a
conveyor belt. These eggs are boxed and sent to a hatchery.
birds. Reproduction would suffer if anything interrupts their environment.
Areas that are free of noise are an important factor to maintain a low stress
environment, especially in the nesting area. Precisely controlled temperature
and lighting systems are very important to maintain efficient production and
reproduction in a breeder house.
The producer must provide strict sanitation procedures for effective
disease control. Cleaning and disinfecting the house are proper production
practices. Maintaining adequate ventilation and clean, dry bedding will also
result in cleaner hatching eggs. Temperatures in a breeder house typically
range from 65ºto75ºF.

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Factors Affecting Broiler Breeder Production
Factors affecting profitability in breeding bird production are contract
payments/agreements and cash operating factors like fuel, electricity,
maintenance and repair. Other factors such as environmental settings,
feeding system, vaccination schedules, and care will also influence
profitability.

Selecting Broiler Breeder Birds

Breeding birds are carefully selected and owned by companies. These
birds will express high-quality meat and rate of growth. Some common
assessments used to identify growth potential are skull width, heart girth,
back flatness/length/breadth, body depth/capacity, breast and keel, weight,
and color. A wide skull is an indicator of growth potential. A good heart girth
and body depth/capacity will indicate enough space for internal organs that
will maximize growth and development. Flat backs are a sign of good bone
development. The examination of the breast and keel will determine good
meat proportions.

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PREPARATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF POULTRY HOUSE AND
BEDDINGS

Before the chicken house is constructed, it is suggested that a design

is prepared to get the proper estimate of the bill of materials. The chicken
house must be constructed with local materials, preferably cheaper but
sturdy enough to protect them. Good ventilation is necessary for the growth
of the chicken in natural farming; odor is tolerable because of the bedding
materials that include beneficial micro-organisms which suppress the
growth of non-beneficial micro-organisms that is responsible of the bad
odor.
Below is a simple but a well-ventilated chicken house made of coco
lumber, nipa and nets. Feeding trough and water holder are made of PVC
pipe. These can be substituted with bamboo poles if readily available in the
area.

A well-ventilated chicken house. The bedding materials below the hut are rice-hull, sand and salt
sprayed with IMO

THE FOLLOWING MEASURES WILL HELP IN ACHIEVING SUITABLE

HOUSE TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION
1. Longitudinal axis of poultry houses should be on an east-west
orientation to avoid as much direct sunlight as possible inside the
building.
2. Poultry houses with natural ventilation should be no more than 10
meters in width for efficient air movement.
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3. Distance between poultry houses should be at least equivalent to
width of the building to allow free air circulation.
4. Roof eaves should be no less than 2.5 meters from the floor level to
reduce solar heat that would reach the birds.
5. Roof overhang of 1.5 meters should be provided to increase shaded
area of the poultry house and to protect inside of the building from the
driving rain.
6. Roof should have a minimum slope of 35% to enhance air movement
inside poultry house.
7. Roof monitor or ventilator is very useful in allowing of hot air.
However, this should be constructed to exclude entry of rain.
8. Shade trees can be planted around poultry houses to increase shaded
area. These trees, however, should not obstruct natural ventilation.
9. Reflective light-color paint can be applied on roof to help reduce solar
heat.
10. Use of roofing materials such as aluminum, asbestos or nipa.
11. Installation of sprinklers on rooftop to spray water during hot
weather.
12. Blowers or fans can be installed inside poultry house.

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Types of chicken house

Feed formulation (Grower Pellet only)

Item # Materials Description Quantity Cost % of mixture
1 Rice Bran (D1) Fine 100kgs P960.00 52.50
2 Hammered Corn 50kgs700.00 25.00
3 Soya Meal 15kgs126.00 07.50
4 Fish Meal 5kgs 63.80
5 Copra Meal 20kgs180.00 10.00
6 ACE-FS Protein meal (A+B) 10kgs310.00
Total Weight 200kgs P2,339.80 100%
7 Additives: ACE Nutri-Balancer
Salt 200kgs
1kgs P50.00
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6.00
8 CONCOCTIONS
FAA – 70%
FFJ – 10% 10 TBS
FPJ – 10%
OHN – 10%
10 Liters
Total Volume 20 Liters 200.00
9 Labor 2 md 500
TOTAL COST P3,095.80
P15.48/kg
FRC=2.5
Feed cost=P33.73 8 bags
P337.25/bag 25kg/bag

RECOMMENDED FEEDING RATION

Days of culturekinds of feeds Feed volume per day per chickFeed
volume per week per chick
01-07 days Chick Booster 05.57 grams 7am
05.57 grams 4pm 78 grams
08-14 days Chick Booster 08.35 grams 7am
08.35 grams 4pm 117 grams
15-21 days Chick Booster/Starter 12.27grams 7am
12.27grams 4pm 176 grams
22-28 days Chick Starter 18.85grams 7am
18.85grams 4pm 264 grams
29-35 days Grower Mash 28.28grams 7am
28.28grams 4pm 396 grams
36-42 days Grower Mash 35.35grams 7am
35.35grams 4pm 495 grams
43-49 days Grower/Finisher Mash 38.85grams 7am
38.85grams 4pm 544 grams
50-56 days Finisher Mash 42.85grams 7am
42.85grams 4pm 600 grams

Note: Add grasses and plant leaves with the feeds to cut cost and to make
the meat tastier. Add concoction in the birds’ drinking water to enhance
growth. The FCR (Food Conversion Ratio) is the amount of feeds given to
the animal to produce a kilo of meat. The lower is the FCR, the better for
the farmer’s income.

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FEEDS AND FEEDING

• Proper nutrition is essential in keeping the birds healthy and

productive.
• Let the birds loose in the range to allow them to access to natural
feeds like worms, grains, insects, and other sources.
• Practice supplementation with high energy feed stuff like corn, palay
and grated coconut and farm mixed formulation. This will give the
chicken the energy that they rarely found in the field.
• The supplement feedstuff can be made available in the house early in
the morning, before the birds are allowed to free range and in the
afternoon to develop their homing instinct.
• Provide clean and fresh water to the birds every day.
• Bamboo poles split in half can be used as feeders and waterers.
• Keep in mind the proper design and size of feeders to minimize feed
wasted.

FEED TYPES AND NUTRIENT CONTENT

Protein Lipid/Fats Carbohydrates Vitamins Minerals

Starter 35% 8% 50% 2% 5%

Grower 25% 8% 60% 2% 5%
Finisher 18% 15% 60% 2% 5%

NUTRIENT SOURCE

1. Protein • Animal, Plant source,Fish meal

2. Lipids/Fats • Copra meal
3. Carbohydrates • Corn/Rice bran
4. Vitamins • FFJ, FPJ, FAA
5. Minerals • Salt, CRH, Soil

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FEED FORM

1. Mash
2. Pellets
3. Crumbles

THINGS TO DO DURING DISEASES OUTBREAK

• Isolate affected birds
• implement biosecurity measures in the farm
• Review the medication program
• Consult the organic experts

THINGS TO DO IN CASE OF CANNIBALISM

• Separate the injured birds and treat the wound with organic anti-peck
preparations

CANNIBALISM CAN BE CONTROLLED BY

• Identifying its causes
• Giving rations containing the right quantity and quality of protein
• Providing birds with adequate floor, feed and drinking spaces
• Maintaining the recommended temperature and proper ventilation
• Providing adequate light in the pen
• Debeaking chicks accurately at recommended age

SICK CHICKEN SYMPTOMS

• Is the bird active or listless?
• Is the bird grooming or is it unkempt with ruffled feathers?
• Is the bird interested in eating?
• Is the bird coughing or expelling fluid?
• Is the bird able to stand on its own?
• Is the hen still laying eggs?
• Is the bird excreting normal or abnormal droppings?

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PROCEDURES IN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DEAD CHICKEN
DISPOSAL

Follow strictly the environmental requirements and municipal law and

regulation as well as industry requirements such as:
• Identify and segregate biodegradable, recyclable, and non-degradable.
• Biodegradable such as waste of birds can be used for organic fertilizer
production.
• Dead birds must be buried at least 6 feet below the ground.
• Recyclable materials can be sold.

PROCEDURES IN PUTTING UP POULTRY FARM

The success of organic poultry production enterprises depends not

only on the financial resources of the entrepreneur but also on the
application of technology during the various phases of production. The
following must be considered:
• Personal qualification and capabilities
• Availability of resources
• Supply of good stocks
• Constant supply of other farm inputs
• Marketing assurance
• Transportation facilities
• Site of the farm
• Compliance to local zoning

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BELOW IS A TABLE HIGHLIGHTING THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF GOOD LAYERS AND POOR LAYERS

Parameter Good layers Poor layer

Vigour Strong Weak and unthrifty
Breed type

Head Wedge shape body

Neat, refined Shallow & tendency towards rocker keel

Beefy and crow head
*Comb and Wattles Full, red waxy, warm and velvety Very long, thin
and sharp pointed
*Eyes Full, bright and alert Dull and sleepy
*Beak

*Ear lobes Stocky and well-curved

Full waxy and velvety Very long, thin & sharp pointed
Shrunken and coarse
Neck Stock and rather short Long and thin
Body
*Back Capacious
Broad and straight Limited capacity
Narrow and crooked
*Sides Deep and straight Shallow and barrel-shaped
*Keel bone Long and well-curved Short and crooked
*Pelvic bones
*Skin Wide apart and thin
Thin, soft and oily Close together & thick
Thick, dry and rough
*Abdomen Large, soft and free from fat Small, hard with thick fat
*Vent
*Feathers Full, larger and moist
Warm and soiled Small and dry
Clean and perfect
Legs Wide apart and well-set Close together & knock-kneed
*Shanks Thin and soft in back Full, hard & round in the back
*Toe nails
Temperament Stocky and well-curved
Alert, active and friendly Long and thin
Shy, nervous & quacky
Molt Late and rapid Early and slow

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 DIFFERENT RECORD KEEPING FORMS USED IN POULTRY
PRODUCTION
• Whenever you begin a record keeping system, you must learn about
the information requested on each form.
• Mortality (death) of birds – every day a record should be taken of any
birds that did not survive.
• Feed used – daily records need to be taken on the quantity of feed fed
to birds.
• Cost – Financial records must be kept of any items bought or sold, e.g.
feed, veterinary costs, equipment, supplies, birds, etc.
• Vaccinations – Specific vaccination may be needed, depending on the
bird and location of production facility. An accurate record must be kept
to ensure sufficient withdrawal times.
• Hens removed – Periodically hens must be removed from the flock
when their productivity is too low. Be sure to keep record of which bird,
when she was removed, and the reason for removal.
• Eggs produced – Eggs must be collected and recorded daily. Be sure to
include any inconsistency noticed.
• Species raised – The records kept for different species of poultry are
going to differ because of the different uses. For example chicken records
are going to be different from turkey records.
• Breed raised – Certain breeds are raised for a specific purpose (laying,
broilers, breeding), and therefore need different records.
• Type of bird – The type of bird raised is going to determine the record
keeping system. Some chickens are raised for egg production (for
consumption), egg production (for repopulating), meat production, etc.
• Chicks – Chicks are young birds before the growth process has
started. The records for chicks may include date hatched, date moved to
pullet/broiler house, feed consumption and water consumption.
• Pullets – Pullets are birds growing to become layers. Certain records to
be kept for these birds include feed consumption, water consumption,
and light-dark hours.
• Layers – Layers are female birds that are in the stage of laying eggs.
Records needed to include feed consumption, water consumption, and
egg production.
• Broilers – Broilers are raised to be harvested for chicken meat to
consume. Specific records may include feed consumption, water
consumption, weight, average daily gain, days on feed, and processing
date.
Breeding stock – Breeding stock are used to produce birds to repopulate
the flock. Breeding date, birds mated, and hatching date are examples of
important records.

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IMPORTANCE OF RECORD KEEPING

1. Production of balance sheet

2. Compare performance of batches
3. Compare breed performance for selection
4. Reference to previous successes
5. Avoid previous mistakes
6. Copy standard procedures
7. Reference for visitors, auditors, bankers, etc.
8. Reference to drug efficacy to certain disease outbreaks
9. Compare feed efficiency
10. Profitability calculation
11. Shows number of birds present
12. Show age of birds
13. Show number of eggs produced
14. Mortality pattern encountered outbreaks recorded for future
reference
15. Drug type and administration schedule as reference to follow for
handling similar outbreaks

PROCESS OF CULLING IN POULTRY FARMING

• Culling is the name given to the process of eliminating undesirable

birds or those birds which do not possess the qualities for giving enough
benefit in return for their culture.
• This is a very important aspect of poultry farming because of un-
culled stock may give a serious setback to the farmer. Culling is a
continuous operation throughout the year. Culling is advantageous
because it helps in saving the feed, in preventing the spread of diseases
and in bringing uniformity of the stock.
WHY CULL?
• Intelligent culling of the poultry flock is of the utmost importance for
success in poultry keeping.

CULLING SERVES THREE PURPOSES:

• First, it increases the profits by ensuring that the feed will be
consumed by the better-producing hens, the profit payers, and will not
be consumed by the poor producers which are kept at a loss.
• Second, it makes it possible to save those best suited for breeders,
both on account of their better production and on account of their
superior strength and vitality, which have enabled them to stand up
under the severe strain of heavy laying.
• Third, weeding out the poor hen gives those left more room and a
better chance. Where trap nesting is practiced, culling is comparatively

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simple process, as the recorded egg enables one to determine whether a
hen should be retained or discarded.

WHEN TO CULL
Culling should be continuing throughout the year. This continuous
culling should consist in weeding out, when discovered, any hen which is
sick, which is very thin, or which shows evidences of non-production,
weakness, or poor vitality.

CULL THESE HENS

Sick, weak, lacking vigor, inactive, poor eaters, early molders,
puckered, hard, dry vent; with small shriveled, hard, scaly, dull-colored
combs; with thick or coarse, stiff pelvic bones that are close together,
small spread between pelvic bones and rear end of keel, and hard, small
abdomen. In breeds with yellow skin and shanks and yellow beaks and
vents.

SAVE THESE HENS

Healthy, strong, vigorous, alert, and active; good eaters; not molting or
just beginning to molt in September or October; with large moist vents;
with full red combs; thin pliable bones well spread apart, widespread
between pelvic bones and rear end of keel, and large, soft, pliable
abdomen. In breeds with yellow skins and shanks, the saved should also
show pale or white shanks, and pale or white beaks and vents.

BENEFITS OF CULLING
• While disease is not an important reason to cull the unproductive
birds, farmers cull to allow more space for feeding and watering the
productive lot. Culling enables you to realize an increased growth rate
per bird and overall egg lay per hen ratio. It also ensures that resources
are not wasted on unproductive flock.
• These indicators may, however, vary between breeds and individual
birds. Therefore, before you finally cull, adopt the most obvious method
of telling whether a hen is laying or not by separating suspected
unproductive birds from the rest of the flock and monitoring their
production for a few days under plenty of feed and water. This may
sometimes pose stress to the separated birds, but should put the last
nail on them before you are sure to cull.
• Most chickens that are culled, commonly known as ex-layers, are sold
as meat. The best approach is to put them into a separate housing in a
free range setting so that their retirement doesn’t cost you any more
feeds.

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• Proper planning, however, requires that you know best how you will
deal with the eventual decline in egg production of your flock.

MANY FACTORS HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON EGG PRODUCTION.

A PARTIAL LISTING OF THESE INCLUDES:

1. Poor pullet quality

2. Inappropriate feeding program
3. Poor feed quality
4. Disease
5. Inadequate water supply or poor water quality
6. Inadequate light stimulation
7. High bird density
8. Inadequate ventilation
9. Abrupt weather changes
10. Equipment malfunctions

ORGANIC Date Developed: Document No. NTTA-TM1-07

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