Preparation for the Production Environment
It’s essential to rear hens in an environment that mirrors their future production setting. This prevents issues when hens are transferred to the production barn. For example, if hens haven’t learned to navigate different levels, they’ll struggle to find feed and water in their first days in the production barn. Hens should preferably establish essential habits like drinking from nipples, eating from troughs, jumping to perches, and spending the night on elevated structures.

Housing Systems to Facilitate Bird Training
If hens are to be transferred to a multi-tiered system in the production barn, it’s advisable to use similar systems during rearing. From an early age, hens should be trained to jump from one platform to another. This can be achieved by alternating the availability of water and feed throughout the housing system, encouraging hens to explore and develop their spatial abilities. It’s also recommended to house hens on slatted areas rather than litter, so they feel comfortable in multi-tiered systems in the production barn, reducing issues with floor eggs.

Avoid High Stocking Densities
Egg producers who view rearing as a cost rather than an investment might make poor decisions, such as using high stocking densities in the rearing house, which doesn’t provide enough space for hens to develop properly. High stocking densities can lead to poor uniformity, lower production results, and an increased risk of feather pecking and floor eggs.

VDL Jansen: The Excellent Choice
VDL Jansen offers a wide range of housing systems tailored for pullet rearing, all designed with our vision of proper rearing management. Our poultry experts are available to advise customers on the best ways to manage their barns. Our designs are highly accessible, easy to inspect, and built for caretakers to work on without fear of damaging or bending the housing system – Jansen strong!