• Fumigate house and equipment and treat against red mite.
• Ensure all lights and dimmers are working.
• Check nest box lights (if installed) and egg collection belt. Close access to pullets.
• Install at least 20% of bell drinkers near edge of slats, initially to maximise water intake and avoid dehydration.
• Set drinker heights so pullets can either see water in bell drinkers or droplets on nipples.
• Raise water levels in bell drinkers to improve uptake.
• Adjust light intensity to 15/20 Lux minimum and set time clocks to required day length.
• Check ventilation system is functioning properly, especially fans and controls, after clean out.
• Check that all time clocks function and are synchronised correctly.
• Check electric deterrent is operative in all areas of house.

On Delivery: Housing at 16 weeks of age

• Handle pullets carefully and place on slats.
• Walk birds several times after housing to check in particular that the pullets have found water and feed etc.
• Synchronise light times as close as possible to rearing programme i.e. 10 hours from 07:00am to 17:00pm.
• Set dawn and dusk lights to come on and off 1/2 an hour prior to main lights.
• Ensure adequate ventilation, especially during hot spells, to reduce stress.
• Give water-soluble vitamins for three days to help pullets settle in.
• Take first water meter reading.
• Check weight of pullets.
• Switch on electric deterrent to accustom pullets before start of lay.

• Monitor water intake and regularly check water lines for either spillage or poor pressure.
• When satisfied pullets have found water, raise bell drinkers or nipple lines to desired height and adjust water levels/pressures accordingly.
• Initially, manually adjust number of feeds per day to ensure adequate intake and avoid wastage.
• Subsequently set time clocks and monitor feeders. (Practice little and often if feed system will allow, to stimulate pullets, keep feed fresh and avoid selective feeding).
• Fix first feed 1/2 an hour after main lights come on and last feed 11/2 hours before main lights go off. Allow extended gap between feeds midday with tighter scheduling early am late pm and adjust according to requirement and day length.
• Release birds down onto scratching area after 4/5 days if restrained on slats. Avoid excessive litter.
• Ensure all pullets are roosting on slats prior to lights out.
• Weigh 1% of the birds after seven days to monitor progress of pullets.
• Open nest boxes and set lights after day one for 4 to 6 hours initially to encourage exploration.

Second and Third weeks:

• Continue to weigh birds weekly to ensure pullets follow recommended growth pattern.
• Make first light increase of one hour when average live weight reaches 1500 grams and not before.
• (See recommendations in Hy-Line Alternative Systems manual).
• Maintain lights at 20 Lux ensuring no shaded areas to discourage floor eggs.
• Set nest boxes to open one hour before main lights (and nest box lights if applicable).
• Regularly walk floors from outside to nests and collect any floor eggs.
• Continue to monitor feed consumption and water intake. Investigate any discrepancy.

Fourth week onwards:

• Continue increasing day length as advised.
• Co-ordinate nest box opening times with increased day length.
• Maintain vigilance on any floor eggs. Start collecting when lights come on.
• Check egg weight weekly and investigate if not up to breed target. If more than two grams above target consider changing down to next diet to avoid future problems but discuss with feed representative first.
• Maintain up to date key performance records and use as a management aid.
• Take blood samples as recommended to monitor antibody levels & re-vaccinate if low.

Smothering Problems:-
Possible Solutions:-

In nest boxes:-

a) Lift curtain on lid of nest box
b) Remove mats (where possible)
c) Block off box where crowding is seen
d) Remove individual nest box light

Possible Solutions:-

Scratch area:-

a) Block out shafts of light
b) Round off corners of scratch area
c) Maintain a good working litter over a wider area as possible
d) Electric fence may be necessary along edges and round corners

Broody birds:-

If found, remove to a separate pen with wire/slated floor for 5-7 days or until birds cease to be broody.