Broken eggs are one major factor. A major factor determining how much you make from egg production in your poultry farm.
Broken eggs either do not sell or at a very reduced price. However, there are ways to reduce the number of broken eggs to the barest minimum.
1. Types of housing and equipment
There is a number of designs that goes with types of poultry housing. There is commonly the deep litter and the battery cages systems. The system that allows the birds to have access to the birds record a higher number of broken eggs. This is basically caused by the pecking of the eggs after laying. This is common in the deep litter system which gives no protection to eggs after laying. Modern designs of the battery cage allow the egg to roll out of the reach of the bird. This prevents pecking and breaking.
Read Also: How to Easily Prevent Horror of Cannibalism and Egg Pecking in Poultry
2. Timeliness in eggs collection
In the housing system where eggs have access to eggs, they may peck and break the eggs. This calls for timeliness in collecting eggs. You can collect eggs 3 or 4 times. Do not leave the eggs to the mercy of the layers. They will eat your money or reduce the value.
3. Debeaking
The sharp and piercing beak of the birds is what causes the damage to the eggs. After a couple of strikes with the beak, they are able to break the egg and eat its nutritious content. You don’t want to allow that, so debeaking should prevent that. Get an expert to help so you do not harm your birds.
Read Also: 14 Deadly Chicken Diseases That Can Destroy Your Poultry Investment
4. Proper handling of the eggs
As the saying goes; “Do not put all your eggs in one basket”, they can break. Eggs are fragile. They crack against hard surfaces. So, pick them gently and use soft materials to transport them. Yes, you do have to work with time but time is of no use if the egg is broken. Be gentle with eggs. It saves money.
5. Feeding and nutrition
Firstly, if birds don’t get enough feed, they may turn to their own eggs. That does not mean you should overfeed them. It is costly and may affect egg production negatively. Just know the right amount of feed to give them.
Also, according to The Chicken Chick, when you feed birds when birds lack vitamin D, protein and calcium in their diet, they tend to rely on other sources for nutrition. Give your birds the right feed with the right nutrients in adequate proportions.
6. Making use of broken eggs
As much as you may try to prevent broken eggs, you may not be entirely successful, especially with deep litter systems. However, broken eggs are not wasted eggs. You can sell or feed to fish. In any case, don’t let them go waste.
In summary
Your eggs are your money. Break them and you lose money.
