4-H Commercial Layer Project

[jmorriso]

Our county fair has a turkey, broiler and commercial layer projects for kids to compete in. They all get birds from the same flock on the same hatch date and then raise them till the fair and are judged on size for the turkeys and broilers and on laying capacity for the layers. Lots of people do this with meaties, so I know some of the secrets for the meaties, but what about the layers? What are some tips on getting birds to lay as fast as possible? I'm thinking about treating them just like we would the broilers with a few additions:

-Feed them as much high protein food as they will eat
-Top dress with grogel to encourage feeding
-keep a light on them at all time
-Wake them up often to encourage more eating
-keep ACV in their water

Anyone else have thoughts or other ideas? This can be a big money maker for kids because the winners get to go into the livestock auction and Tyson and Cargill both have their headquarters in our county so they always "buy" them for a high price. (it's and auction, but it is just donated, the kids get to keep the birds too)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sometimes when a layer matures too quickly you can end up with big troubles like prolapse. I'm surprised 4H would encourage it.

Feeding them too much can cause internal fat which will interfere with laying. Running lights won't help either as pullets aren't affected by light the way older hens are.

I recommend getting sex links which mature quicker than most breeds and feed them a regular diet of chick starter. A daily treat of scrambled eggs seems to boost growth. The rest is luck.

I prefer clean water with nothing added so they drink freely.