Light caged black-bone chickens require careful lighting management to optimize egg production. From 20 weeks of age, natural light alone is insufficient to maintain high egg-laying rates, so artificial lighting should be added for 30 to 60 minutes daily. Starting at 21 weeks, the duration of artificial light should gradually increase by 30 minutes per week until peak production is reached, typically around 30 to 32 weeks. At this stage, the total light exposure should be 15 to 16 hours per day, combining natural and artificial light. The light intensity should be maintained at 5 to 10 watts. Two months before the end of the laying period, the lighting can be extended to 17 hours.
In terms of lighting setup, the distribution of bulbs should follow a 1:1.5 ratio—meaning the distance between rows of lights should be 1.5 times the distance from the bulb to the chicken’s body. If the coop is large or has multiple rows of bulbs, they should be staggered for even illumination. In multi-tier cages, bulbs should be arranged in a zigzag pattern to ensure all chickens receive adequate light.
Some people mistakenly believe that caged chickens don’t need attention, but this is incorrect. Even in individual cages, some chickens may use the mesh to defecate or engage in anal fistulas, which can lead to health issues. Flea infestations in the flock can significantly reduce egg production and even cause mortality. To prevent these problems, it is essential to perform beak trimming once or twice. This procedure is typically done when the chicks are 5 to 9 days old or 12 to 13 weeks before placing them in cages. A beak trimmer is used to cut the upper beak 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 water before trimming to minimize bleeding. After the procedure, feed and water levels should be increased to support recovery.
Creating an optimal indoor environment is crucial for black-bone chickens. The ideal temperature is 18–20°C, with a relative humidity of 60–75%. These conditions must be adjusted as needed throughout the year. Due to the high stocking density of black-bone chickens, environmental conditions vary across seasons. Proper preparation and management are necessary to maintain stable temperatures and humidity. During summer, insulation on the roof and proper ventilation systems are essential to remove manure and reduce ammonia levels. Ventilation should not create strong drafts near the chickens, keeping wind speed below 17 meters per second. In winter, insulation and warm curtains at the entrance help protect against cold winds. The goal is to ensure comfort in both hot and cold weather.
Minimizing stress is vital for maintaining egg production. Black-bone chickens are naturally timid and easily frightened, which can lead to reduced egg output and economic losses. Stress disrupts ovulation, so a calm environment is critical. Two weeks before the start of egg-laying, chickens should be moved to laying cages to allow them time to adapt. All routine activities such as vaccinations, cleaning, and disinfection should be completed prior to the laying period. Daily tasks like feeding, cleaning, and managing the shed should be done gently and quietly to avoid startling the birds. Visitors should be restricted from entering the henhouse, and measures should be taken to prevent animals like cats, dogs, and birds from entering.
Stocking density also plays a significant role in egg production. Overcrowding reduces laying rates, so each chicken should have at least 400 square centimeters of cage floor space. Additionally, the length of the feeding trough and waterer per chicken should be no less than 13 cm to ensure easy access and efficient feeding.
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