The first 16 weeks of a pullet’s life are critical. Good management during this period can assure that she reaches the laying house ready to deliver her genetical performance potential. Mistakes made during the first 16 weeks generally cannot be corrected in the laying house.

General Recommendations

1. Grow pullets in strict isolation from older birds. Maintain good sanitation. As much as possible, plan work routines so that disease organisms cannot be carried from older birds to the growing pullets.
    
2. During the first six weeks, operate feeders to provide feed twice daily, or more often. Weekly check feed consumption and body weights against the chart on page 11. (Weigh 100 pullets to get a meaningful average).
    
3. Check water availability in each cage row daily. Check for and repair leaks. Raise drinkers as the birds grow (nipples higher than the birds’ heads; cups or troughs level with their backs).
    
4. Plan and follow a vaccination schedule fit for your area.
    
5. Remove mortality daily and dispose of properly. Examine for causes of excessive mortality.
    
6. Three days before moving pullets to the laying house, begin using water-soluble vitamins and electrolytes in the drinking water. Continue using for three days after housing. This helps minimise the stress of moving.
   Gentle handling will pay big dividends.