Expert Tips & Essential Products for a Healthy Breeding Season

Spring is just around the corner, and for poultry keepers, it marks the start of breeding season. The secret to great hatch rates and strong chicks lies in preparation—making sure your flock is in peak condition before the first eggs go into the incubator.

At Uneek Poultry, we know that small details make a big difference. Our team combines hands-on experience with the very best products to help you prepare your flock for success. Here’s our step-by-step guide.

1) Select & Prepare the Healthiest Breeding Stock

A strong breeding season starts with strong birds.

• Choose hens and roosters with bright eyes, glossy feathers, and active behaviour.
• Avoid breeding from birds with ongoing health issues or poor development.
• Keep genetics healthy by rotating roosters or introducing new bloodlines.

2) Nutrition & Supplements for Breeding Success

Healthy eggs come from healthy hens, and breeding places extra demands on their bodies.

• Start with quality feed designed for breeders, ideally 4–6 weeks before the season begins.
• Free-ranging and a varied diet—including fresh greens, insects, and safe kitchen scraps—will naturally boost health, provide vitamins, and keep your flock active.
• If you notice soft-shelled eggs or your birds don’t have access to plenty of natural food, step in with the right supplements.

3) Coop & Run Preparation

A clean, safe environment is the foundation of good flock health.

• Remove old bedding and scrub the coop thoroughly.
• Replace with fresh, dry litter and ensure ventilation without draughts.
• Check for gaps or weaknesses where predators could enter.

4) Daylight & Seasonal Timing

As spring approaches, daylight hours naturally increase. Chickens need around 14–16 hours of daylight for optimal laying and fertility. The seasonal change will bring these conditions naturally—no need for artificial lighting—helping your hens reach their best production.

5) Parasite & Health Management – Spotting & Stopping Mites Early

Mites are one of the most common poultry pests and can cause problems if left untreated. The good news? With regular checks and quick action, they’re easy to control.

What to look for

• Reluctance to go into the coop at night
• Pale combs and wattles (signs of blood loss)
• Reduced laying and weight loss
• Tiny moving specks on the bird or perches (especially around the vent, under wings, and at night with a torch)
• Scaly, crusty legs (sign of scaly leg mites)

Preventative measures

• Inspect your flock weekly during warmer months.
• Keep dust bathing areas topped up.
• Use mite-repelling products in nesting areas.

Treatment

• Apply Avimec directly to the bird as per instructions—effective against mites and lice.
• Dust nesting boxes and perches with Diatomaceous Earth to deter reinfestation.
• Clean and treat the coop at the same time as treating the birds to break the mite cycle.

6) Egg Handling & Incubation Prep

Once your flock is in top condition and eggs are being laid, it’s time to prepare for incubation.

• Collect eggs daily, store pointy-end down, and set within 7 days.
• Candle eggs before setting to remove infertile or damaged ones.
• Ensure your incubator is cleaned, calibrated, and ready to go.

Conclusion

The best breeding seasons don’t happen by chance—they’re the result of careful preparation, the right nutrition, and reliable products. At Uneek Poultry, we’re proud to be your trusted source for both expert advice and quality gear.