The end of the flock: culling, moult (decision), selling the hens, sanitary break
A flock of layers does not stop by itself: it stops when we decide, and the date of that decision weighs as much on the result as the peak of lay. Too early, we throw away weeks of still profitable eggs; too late, we feed hens that no longer pay for their feed. In between, there is the question of the moult (restarting the same flock for a second cycle), the sale of the cull hens, and the sanitary break that prepares the next flock. This lesson gives the technician the calculations and the actions of the end of the flock, without cruelty and without loss.
14 min read · 5-question quiz at the end
By Abdul Hussein ChoumanFounder of NEXTEKCI · Agnibilékrou hatchery since 2006This lesson is part of Laying hens, expert level specialisation. It opens to every registered student, from free registration. Levels 1 to 5 and the tracks remain readable by everyone.
A flock of layers does not stop by itself: it stops when we decide, and the date of that decision weighs as much on the result as the peak of lay. Too early, we throw away weeks of still profitable eggs; too late, we feed hens that no longer pay for their feed. In between, there is the question of the moult (restarting the same flock for a second cycle), the sale of the cull hens, and the sanitary break that prepares the next flock. This lesson gives the technician the calculations and the actions of the end of the flock, without cruelty and without loss.
- ✓Calculate the lay threshold below which a flock no longer pays for its feed, with the farm's own figures
- ✓Decide culling (72 to 80 weeks) or moult, knowing what a moult gives and demands, and what is ruled out
- ✓Organise the sale of cull hens: preparation, catching, weighing, transport
- ✓Run a complete sanitary break of 14 days minimum, step by step, and prepare the arrival of the next flock
- When a flock stops paying: the lay threshold
- Culling at 72-80 weeks: the three benchmarks
- The moult: what it is, what it gives, and how to decide
- Selling the cull hens without losing weight or hens
- The sanitary break: 14 days that prepare the next flock
- Going further
- •Lay threshold (%) = intake (kg) × R (eggs per kilo of feed) × 100, plus 5 to 8 points of overheads; below this threshold two weeks in a row, the flock costs every day.
- •Culling at 72-80 weeks on three benchmarks: lay threshold, shell under 9% with more than 4-5% cracked, and the pullets' date counted backwards (− 14 days of break − 3 to 5 days of sale and cleaning).
- •Induced moult = second cycle of 25 to 35 weeks at 80-85% after 6 to 8 weeks of stoppage; without cruelty: low feed ad libitum, water ad libitum, natural day, − 20 to − 25% of weight; never water or feed deprivation; justified mainly when pullets are lacking; veterinarian's opinion first.
- •Sale of cull hens (1.9 to 2.1 kg): buyer 3 weeks before, sample weighed, 8 to 10 h fast without removing water, night catching by both legs, covered and early transport.
- •Sanitary break 14 days minimum (21 after disease): rodent control D 0, manure out, washing, 24 h drying, disinfection on dry, rest, reassembly, new litter; flock's balance sheet written during the break.