Hy-Line W-80

Facility Preparations Before Chick Delivery

• The optimal downtime between flocks is 4 weeks. At least 2 weeks downtime is strongly recommended to allow for sufficient cleaning and disinfection. 
• Clean and disinfect brooding areas, building interior, attached service areas, and equipment. 
• All feed and manure should be removed from the facility before cleaning. 
• Clean and disinfect feeding system, allowing it to dry before new feed is delivered. 
• Wash the upper portion of the facility and work downward toward the floor. 
• Thoroughly clean air inlets, fan housing, fan blades and fan louvers. 
• Heating the facility during washing improves the removal of organic matter. 
• Use foam/gel disinfection/detergent to soak into organic matter and equipment. 
• Use high pressure warm water to rinse. 
• Allow the facility to dry. After it is fully dry, apply foam/spray disinfectant followed by fumigation. 
• Place rodent bait where it will not be consumed by chicks. 
• Confirm effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection with environmental swabs. 
• For more information, see Pre-Housing Cleaning, Disinfection and Maintenance Checklist for Rearing and Layer Facilities. 

Hy-Line chicks adapt well to intensive cage system brooding environments. Hatchery services/treatments are performed as requested by the customer. For more information, see Growing Management of Commercial Pullets. 

One Day Before Chick Delivery

• Pre-heat the brooding facility prior to chick delivery: 24 hours in normal or warm climates, 48 hours in cool climates and 72 hours in cold climates. The facility should be at proper brooding temperature at minimum for several hours before the arrival of the chicks. 
• Establish proper facility temperature of 33–34°C and 60% humidity (measured at chick level). 
• Bright light (30–50 lux) during 0–7 days helps chicks quickly find feed and water and adapt to the new environment. 
• Floor temperature should be 32°C at the time of chick placement. 
• Check water system and adjust to the correct height for chicks. The first day nipple lines can be placed low to encourage rapid discovery by chicks. On day 2 they should be adjusted to the correct height to maintain the best water access and litter conditions. 
• Sanitise and flush water lines. 
• Check to make sure equipment is working properly and is adjusted to the correct height. 
• Check the lighting system and confirm correct light intensity.  

Day of Chick Delivery

• Check that facility temperatures are appropriate for brooding chicks. 
• When using nipple drinkers, adjust the water pressure to ensure there is a droplet of water visible on the nipple. 
• Place supplementary feed onto papers or trays. 
• Fill feeders to their highest feed level, allowing easy access for the chicks. 
• Lights should be adjusted to provide a minimum light intensity of 30 lux for the first week. 

Transportation from Hatchery to the Farm

• Use a truck designed for transportation of chicks. 
• Truck should be environmentally controlled, maintaining 26–29°C at 70% relative humidity (measured inside chick box); with a minimum air flow of 0.7 m³ per minute. 
• Provide space between stacks of chick boxes for air flow. 

Chick Placement

• Brood chicks in groups of similar aged breeder flocks when possible. 
• Unload chick boxes quickly and gently place the chicks in the brooding area. 
• As chicks are placed, trigger water cups or nipples to encourage drinking.

The brooding period (0–14 days) of the pullet’s life is critical. The digestive and immune systems develop during this time. Good management during this period assures that the pullet gets off to a good start toward reaching her genetic potential. 

Water 

• Drinking water should be tested for quality and cleanliness from source and end of the water line. 
• Trip nipples 3x per day for the first 3 days.
• Flush water lines prior to chick arrival. 
• Maintain water temperature of 20–25°C during brooding period. 
• Do not give cold water to chicks. Be careful when flushing water lines for chicks. Allow water time to warm up in the facility so chicks are comfortable drinking. Temperature the first week should be 25–28°C.
• Flush water lines at night to limit chicks’ exposure to cold drinking water. 
• Clean supplemental chick drinkers daily to avoid build-up of organic matter that could encourage bacterial growth. 
• Use a ratio of 80 chicks/circular drinker (25 cm diameter). 
• Use a ratio of one nipple/cup per 12 birds for the first three weeks.
• Chicks should not need to move more than 1 metre to find feed or water. 
• Use vitamins and electrolytes in chicks’ drinking water (avoid sugar-based products to prevent growth of microorganisms). 

Lights 

• Bright light (30–50 lux) during 0–7 days helps chicks find feed and water and adapt to the facility environment. Ensure that the light (measured at the level of the water nipple) is uniform in the brooding area. Avoid shadows and dark areas. 
• An intermittent lighting programme for chicks is strongly preferred. If not using an intermittent lighting programme, use 20 hours of light and 4 hours of dark for 0–7 days. 
• Do not use 24 hours of light. Birds require a dark period to grow properly.
• After the first week, reduce light intensity and begin slow step-down lighting programme (see Light Programme for Light Controlled Housing). 

Brooding Temperature and Relative Humidity 

• Find optimum balance of temperature, humidity, and ventilation rate for chick comfort. 
• Chicks are unable to fully control body temperature during the first week of life and depend on proper environmental temperature.
• Adjust brooder temperatures according to relative humidity. Lower temperatures should be used with higher humidity. For every 5 percentage points above 60% relative humidity, reduce brooding temperature 1°C.  
• Provide temperature zones within the brooding area accessible to the chicks. This allows birds to seek a comfort zone. 
• After the first week, reduce temperature weekly 2–3°C until reaching 21°C.

Precautions when beak trimming birds:

• Water intake is the most important factor in the success of beak trimming. Chicks require immediate and easy access to water.
• Do not beak-trim sick or stressed birds.
• Do not hurry; handle chicks carefully.
• Provide vitamins and electrolytes containing vitamin K in drinking water 2 days before and 2 days after beak trimming.
• Watch chicks after beak trimming to assess stress. Raise ambient temperature until birds appear comfortable and active.
• Keep feed at the highest level for several days after beak trimming.
• Use only well-trained crews.
• Use 360° activated nipples, supplemental chick drinkers, and splash cups to encourage drinking.

• Body weights should be monitored weekly up to 30 weeks of age and thereafter every five weeks.  
• Weigh birds individually, using a scale with increments no larger than 20 g. 
• A minimum of 100 birds should be weighed. 
• Always weigh birds on the same day of the week and at the same time of day. 
• Weighing birds weekly will help to identify when a flock deviates from the body weight standard in either weight or uniformity. If the body weight or the uniformity is not appropriate there are several actions that can be taken to correct the problem such as implementing midnight feedings, grading the birds into weight categories, stimulating the birds to eat more often or changing the diet. Birds with poor body weight or uniformity could struggle to achieve good peak production, strong persistency, or have other production-related issues. It is essential to find these issues early and take corrective action. 
• It is critical to weigh birds prior to a scheduled feed change. If a flock is below target for body weight, it should remain on a high nutrient density diet until the target weight is reached.  
• Factors that can adversely affect body weight include chick and pullet quality, environment, inadequate nutrition, water quality and intake, overcrowding, and disease. 

• If possible, aim for the high end of the pullet body weight standards throughout rear, but take care not to exceed the high end by more than 5%. Obese birds may have greater mortality post peak from fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome. For more information, see Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome.
• Use a crumb starter feed to promote good feed intake and uniform nutrient intake.
• Change rearing diets only when the recommended body weight with good uniformity (> 85%) is attained. Delay diet change if birds are underweight or have poor body weight uniformity.
• Changing diets based on age can result in poor uniformity or overweight flocks.
• By 12 weeks of age, match the feeding schedule to what will be used in the production facility.
• During the rearing period, run feeders 3–5 times per day. Feed more frequently to encourage feed intake in underweight flocks or in hot weather. In the case of hot weather, avoid feeding the birds during the hottest times of the day and instead allow this time to be “clean up” of the fines or other sorted particles in the feeders. Manage feeders so that additional feedings do not create excessive fine feed particles. Check feed consumption against the body weight/feed consumption table at right. See Feeding Schedules in Nutrition section.
• Anticipate rapid rise in ambient temperature during summer and adjust bird’s diet accordingly. Birds will eat less when exposed to a rapid temperature increase.
• Delay diet changes until after a stress-inducing event, such as catching birds for an injected vaccination.

• Avoid excessive weight gain during the transition period.
• Body weight gain from 18–25 weeks should not exceed 22%. If you have a 1.29 kg bird at 18 weeks, the goal should be to stay under 1.51 kg by 25 weeks, otherwise there is a risk of fatty liver.
• During the transition period, nutrient requirements increase dramatically and diets should be adjusted to accommodate this phase. See Pre-Peak Diet in Nutrition section.
• The following occurs during the transition period:
• Rapidly increasing egg production
• Increasing egg size
• Increasing body weight
• Feed consumption may increase slowly during transition:
• In underweight flocks
• In flocks lacking uniformity
• During high environmental temperatures
• Poor uniformity prolongs the transition period and may result in delayed onset of egg production, low production peaks, and poor persistency of egg production.
• It is essential to monitor feed intake carefully during transition and adjust dietary nutrient concentration according to actual feed intakes.

• Ensure birds are moved with welfare as a priority.
• Birds should be transferred to the lay facility a minimum of 14 days before the first egg. Transfer typically occurs between 14–16 weeks of age.
• Earlier transfer makes it easier for birds to adapt to their new laying environment prior to the onset of egg production.
• Two weeks prior to moving, gradually increase light intensity in the rearing facility to match the production facility.
• Light hours of rearing and production facility should be matched at transfer.
• Three days before moving pullets to the laying facility, begin using water-soluble vitamins and electrolytes in the drinking water to relieve stress.
• Transfer birds quickly to laying facility and transfer all birds on the same day. Move early in the morning so birds can keep to a normal daily routine and weather is cooler.
• Water consumption during the last week on the rearing farm should be noted and compared with water consumption in the laying facility immediately after transfer. The time taken to match the previous level of water consumption and subsequently exceed it will be an indication of how well the birds have adapted to their new environment. Birds should be drinking normally by 6 hours after transfer.
• Keep nipple drinkers lowered after transfer to slightly above the bird’s back before raising them to head level for the first week.
• If piling of birds at the facility is a problem, leave lights on at night for the 2–3 nights after transfer to reduce the risk of birds piling. Check local regulations.
• Increase light intensity for first 2–3 days to help birds adapt to their new environment.
• Facility temperature at transfer of 15–20°C will encourage feed intake.
• Before transfer, the flock should have resistance against coccidia by the use of coccidiostats in the feed or by vaccination early in life.

• Weigh prior to transfer and monitor weight loss during transfer.
• It should be noted that at the time of transfer from rearing to production houses, there will be some loss in body weight (which is normally 10–12%). This loss is mainly due to reduced water intake and some dehydration of the pullet.
• To help regain these losses, the following factors should be considered.
• Age of transfer (earlier transfers are less stressful).
• Good availability of fresh, potable water, monitoring intake levels to ensure good uptake.
• Good availability of fresh feed, similar in physical quality and nutrient profile to the feed used in the rearing house just before transfer.
• Match lighting programmes between rearing and production houses.
• Match drinker and feeder type between rearing and production.
• Care must be taken in hot or cold ambient conditions to maintain an appropriate house temperature.

Pullet conditioning are those management programmes used to prepare the pullets for the smooth, low-stress transfer to the laying facility and for the commencement of egg production.  

Management Tips for Effective Pullet Conditioning

Suggested Record Keeping for Flock Performance

Daily:

• Number dead and culled
• Egg collection details to give numbers of good, seconds and non-nest eggs amounting to a total daily production figure
• Maximum and minimum facility temperature
• Water intake 
• Feed intake (if not daily, then weekly)

Weekly:

• Body weight and uniformity
• Average egg weight
• Feather score
• Hours of light
• Feed ration

• Enriched colonies address some of the welfare concerns of layers in cages by providing more space with environment enrichment devices, such as perches, nest boxes, scratch areas and abrasive pads for beak and toe shortening.
• Generally, bird group sizes range from 40–110 birds per cage. 
• As group size increases, there is more competition for feed and water space and less stable social groups. This could lead to behavioral problems like feather pecking and piling. Cage enrichments help prevent these behavioral problems.

In some situations, Hy-Line layers may be molted to rejuvenate egg production, shell quality, Haugh units, and feather cover. Follow the guidelines given in Non-Fasting Molt Recommendations.

Drinking Systems 

• The type of drinkers used during rearing should be the same as in the production facility. Use the same nipple type in rearing and production facility (vertical vs. 360° activated nipples). In general, 360° activated nipples are recommended, especially for IRBT flocks.
• Ensure that palatable water is available to the birds at all times. Water should be kept fresh and clean by flushing water lines weekly during rearing and production periods. Flush water lines during the night, before lights come on in the morning.
• Record daily flock water consumption. A drop in water consumption is often the first sign of a serious problem in the flock.
• Regular water treatment with a bird-safe sanitiser is recommended.

Nipple Drinkers 

• Nipple drinking systems are preferred because they are a closed system and more sanitary.
• Adjust nipple water system pressure to create a hanging drop to help chicks find water for 0–3 days and in layer facility at transfer for 7 days. Seeing a hanging drop after the first 7 days is an indication that the water pressure is too low and should be adjusted to the appropriate level for the age of the flock.
• Splash cups are useful during brooding period and in hot climates.
• 360° activated nipples make drinking easy for chicks.
• Use only 360° activated nipples for IRBT chicks, as well as supplemental chick drinkers.
• Nipple drinkers should deliver a minimum 60 ml per minute / nipple in adult layers, although this may change based on the water line manufacturer.
• Production facilities should be at 18–25°C and 40–60% humidity.

• Ventilation is essential to:
• Provide each bird with adequate supply of oxygen
• Remove moisture from facility
• Remove carbon dioxide produced by birds
• Remove dust particles
• Dilute aerosolised pathogenic organisms
• Positive pressure facilities where exhaust air is exiting through vents and popholes prevents cold damp air from entering the facility in winter and causing wet litter.
• In tunnel ventilated facilities, if birds are confined inside the facility due to hot or cold weather, ensure that the stocking densities are appropriate for bird confinement.
• Allowable levels of noxious gases at floor level in the facility are based on local regulations; however, the minimum standards are:
• Ammonia (NH₃): < 25 ppm
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): < 5000 ppm
• Carbon monoxide (CO): < 50 ppm (measured over 8 hours)

Physiology of Thermoregulation  

• Thermoregulation is the ability to control the body temperature. This function takes approximately 10 days after hatching to achieve in the developing pullet.
• There are two mechanisms for thermoregulation: behavioural thermoregulation and neural thermoregulation.
• Behavioural thermoregulation occurs in cold temperatures when the chicks will attempt to decrease surface area for heat loss by “hunching” or “huddling.” Chicks will often crowd in groups to further reduce temperature loss. This ability is readily available to chicks when they hatch.
• Neural thermoregulation is accomplished through temperature sensing in the nervous system and characterised by “shivering.” Neural thermoregulation may take up to four weeks to develop post hatch to the point where the chick can maintain body temperatures without supplemental heat.
• An important part of the chick thermoregulation process is the growth of feathers which they use to trap air, and thus heat, against the body.
• Thermal stress occurs when the birds are subjected to temperatures above or below their thermoneutral (comfortable) zone. In laying hens, the thermoneutral zone is considered generally to be between 18–25°C. At temperatures outside the thermoneutral zone, the bird has to expend energy to maintain normal body temperature and metabolic activities. This diverts energy and other nutrients away from growth and egg production, resulting in performance loss.
• Young chicks have difficulty regulating their body temperature until they are fully feathered. Cold or heat stress can lead to a suppression of the immune system and these flocks become very susceptible to disease. It is common to see pasting vents, poor feed intake, and increased mortality when young flocks are subjected to prolonged chilling, overheating, or several days of large temperature swings (> 4°C). Whenever possible, maintain flocks in a thermoneutral zone appropriate for their age.
• Periods of high environmental temperatures, often accompanied by high relative humidity, are common in the summer months. Heat stress can profoundly affect the productivity of a flock. At environmental temperatures above 33°C, high mortality and large production losses are readily evident, but at less extreme temperatures, heat stress is often overlooked as a cause for poor growth or subtle losses in egg production and shell quality.
• Flocks raised in cold temperatures will struggle more as adult birds to adjust to hot weather.
• For information on management of layers in heat stress conditions, see Understanding Heat Stress in Layers.

Factors Affecting the Incidence of Feather Pecking

Nutritional Deficiencies

• Low protein and amino acid imbalance, particularly methionine and arginine
• Low mineral levels, ie. calcium, sodium

Diet Characteristics

• Low fibre, fine textured or pelleted feed, and restricted feeding practices reduce the bird’s feeding time
• Sudden changes in feed ingredients or feed particle size
• Pecking around the preen gland (near the tail) may indicate low salt in the diet or, in pullets 3–6 weeks of age, might be an indication of infectious bursal disease

Environmental Stressors

• Loud noises
• Heat stress
• Litter substrates, such as fine-particle wood shavings or sawdust
• Large flock sizes have a less stable social structure
• High stocking density, leading to overcrowding of the bird’s floor, feeder, water, and nest space
• Mite infestation, even in moderate numbers

Flock Characteristics

• Poor beak trimming
• Poor uniformity

Tips for Preventing Excessive Feather Pecking Behaviour 

• Prevention measures taken during the rearing and early production periods are more effective than in older flocks already exhibiting excessive feather pecking behaviour.
• Match rearing and production facility environments as closely as possible.
• Provide the recommended levels of light intensity in the facility. In flocks exhibiting excessive feather pecking behaviour, reduce light intensity to calm the flock.
• Ensure that nests are dark (< 0.5 lux).
• Minimise heat stress during the summer months. For more information, see Understanding Heat Stress in Layers.
• Quickly remove injured and dead birds from the flock.
• Remove any birds displaying aggressive pecking and cannibalistic behaviour.
• Keep facilities in good repair, eliminating loose wires, sharp edges and areas where birds can be caught.
• The use of nipple drinkers may reduce feather pecking.