1. Light management for caged black-bone chickens is essential to maximize egg production. From 20 weeks of age, natural light alone is insufficient to maintain optimal egg-laying rates. Therefore, artificial lighting should be introduced for 30 to 60 minutes per day. Starting at 21 weeks, the duration of artificial light should gradually increase by 30 minutes each week until reaching a peak at 30 to 32 weeks of age. At this stage, the total daily light exposure should be 15 to 16 hours, combining both natural and artificial sources. The light intensity should be maintained between 5 to 10 watts. Two months before the end of the laying period, the lighting schedule can be extended to 17 hours per day.
When setting up artificial lighting, the distribution of bulbs should follow a 1:1.5 ratio. This means the distance between rows of bulbs should be 1.5 times the distance from the bulb to the chicken's body. If the coop is large, using multiple rows of bulbs requires a staggered layout to ensure even light coverage. For multi-tier cages, bulbs on each level should be arranged in a zigzag pattern to avoid dark spots and provide consistent illumination.
2. Some people mistakenly believe that caging black-bone chickens eliminates the need for regular cleaning or attention. This is not true. Even with individual cages, some chickens may use the cage mesh to defecate or develop anal fistulas, especially if there are fleas present in the flock. Flea infestations can lead to reduced egg production and even death in severe cases. To prevent this, it’s important to perform beak trimming once or twice during the rearing period. The earliest opportunity is between 5 to 9 days old, or 12 to 13 weeks before placing the chickens in cages. The upper eyelid should be cut approximately 0.5 cm in front of the nostril, with the lower cut slightly longer than the upper one. Vitamin K should be added to the drinking water before trimming to reduce bleeding. After the procedure, feed amounts and water levels in the troughs and drinkers should be increased to support recovery.
3. Creating a suitable indoor environment is crucial for black-bone chickens. The ideal temperature range is 18–20°C, with relative humidity between 60% and 75%. Adjustments must be made if these conditions fall outside the recommended range. Due to their high stocking density, black-bone chickens are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes throughout the year. Proper preparation is necessary based on seasonal variations. In summer, insulating the roof and installing ventilation and cooling systems helps manage heat. Manure should be removed regularly to minimize ammonia levels. During ventilation, wind speed near the chickens should not exceed 17 meters per second. In winter, insulation and warm curtains at the entrance help protect against cold drafts. The goal is to prevent heat stress in summer and cold exposure in winter.
4. Minimizing stress is vital for black-bone chickens, as they are naturally timid and easily frightened, which can lead to economic losses. Stress negatively affects egg production and ovulation. To reduce stress, the flock should be moved to the laying cages two weeks before the expected start of egg-laying to allow time for acclimation. All management activities, such as vaccinations, coop repairs, cleaning, and disinfection, should be completed before the hens begin laying. Daily tasks like feeding, cleaning feces, and maintaining the shed should be done quietly and gently to avoid startling the birds. Visitors should be restricted from entering the henhouse, and measures should be taken to prevent animals like cats, dogs, or birds from entering.
5. Stocking density plays a key role in maintaining egg production. Overcrowding can significantly reduce output. The ideal density is at least 400 square centimeters of cage floor space per chicken. Additionally, each chicken should have access to at least 13 cm of feeding trough or drinker length to ensure adequate feeding and hydration. Proper spacing promotes better health, comfort, and overall productivity in the flock.
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