Autumn duck body is weak and refreshed
CHANGZHOU RICHGENIUS MEDLAB CO.,LTD , https://www.rich-gen.com
Autumn brings a gradual drop in temperature, with significant differences between day and night and shorter daylight hours. Ducks that were raised the previous year and have been laying eggs for six months are now exhausted. If not properly managed, they may stop moulting, which can affect their overall health and egg production.
Ducks hatched in early spring typically begin laying eggs from late September to mid-October. However, as the weather cools down and temperature fluctuations become more extreme, especially for free-range ducks, food becomes scarce. This lack of nutrition can lead to a decline in egg production, often referred to as "falling eggs." In rural areas, there's an old saying: "Spring is afraid of four, autumn is afraid of eight, and after August, birth begins." This means that the eighth month of the lunar calendar is a critical period. If ducks survive this time, they can continue laying eggs until the end of the lunar year, maintaining an egg production rate above 80%. Therefore, it's essential to focus on proper management during autumn, including nutritional balance, stable environments, and delaying moulting to enhance productivity.
Ensuring sufficient lighting is crucial. Natural daylight shortens in autumn, which can hinder duck reproduction. To counter this, artificial lighting should be used to maintain at least 16 hours of light per day. A 40-watt bulb is usually enough for a 20-square-meter duck house. The bulb should be covered with a shade, and the height should be around two meters to keep the area clean and evenly lit.
Increasing protein levels in feed is also important. Ducks need adequate energy to prepare for winter, but overfeeding can cause excessive fat accumulation. It’s advisable to control body weight within 2 kg and adjust energy intake accordingly. For caged ducks, the crude protein content in feed should exceed 18%, while free-range ducks should receive additional protein supplements to meet their egg-laying needs.
Cold weather in autumn can drastically reduce egg production. Sudden temperature drops must be avoided. Duck houses should be kept between 13°C and 20°C, and the environment should remain dry to prevent dampness and disease.
Autumn is also a rainy season, making it easy for water to accumulate in outdoor areas and for the litter inside the house to become wet and moldy. Measures such as improving ventilation and reducing humidity are necessary to maintain a healthy living space.
Eliminating low-producing ducks is another key step. Older ducks that are not performing well should be culled. High-producing ducks typically have specific physical traits, such as a wide chest, soft abdomen, and proper spacing between the pubic bones. If a duck shows signs of declining production or starts moulting, forced moulting techniques—such as removing wing and tail feathers and feeding them a mix of concentrate and cabbage leaves—can be used.
Maintaining consistent routines and a stable environment is vital. Ducks follow a regular schedule, eating, bathing, resting, and being active during the day. Disrupting this pattern can lower egg production. Therefore, it's important to avoid unnecessary disturbances and support natural behaviors.
Deworming is essential after summer, as ducks may have accumulated parasites. These parasites compete for nutrients and weaken the ducks' immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases. A deworming session in autumn helps maintain their health.
Finally, disease prevention is crucial. Autumn is a high-risk season for diseases like duck gizzard worm, duck cholera, and egg drop syndrome. Keeping the duck house clean, regularly cleaning feeders and water troughs, and disinfecting facilities are all important steps. Following a strict vaccination schedule also helps prevent outbreaks and ensures the overall health of the flock.