If you're a poultry farmer struggling with cracked eggs, you're not alone. Weak eggshells are one of the most common and frustrating issues facing commercial poultry farms, especially in Africa. But what if there was a simple, effective solution right at your fingertips? Welcome to this video, where we tackle one of the biggest problems in poultry farming: egg cracks—and how limestone could be the answer you're looking for!

In this video, we break down everything you need to know about adding limestone to your poultry feed to strengthen your hens' eggshells, reduce cracks, and ultimately boost your farm's profits.

What You'll Learn in This Video:

Why Cracked Eggs Are a Big Problem: Discover how cracked eggs not only affect your farm's egg quality but also hit your profits hard, especially when feed costs are already high.

The Hidden Problem: Low Calcium in Poultry Feed: Learn why commercial poultry feeds often lack sufficient calcium and how this leads to thin, fragile eggshells.

How Limestone Is the Key to Stronger Eggshells: Limestone is more than just a natural rock—it’s a calcium powerhouse that can improve the strength and quality of your eggshells. Learn how it works and why it's an affordable solution for poultry farmers.

How to Safely Add Limestone to Your Feed: We give you the exact steps on how to safely incorporate limestone into your poultry feed based on your hens' stage of development. Learn how much limestone to add and why it's crucial not to over-supplement.

The Problem: Cracked Eggs and Low Calcium

Imagine this: You’ve just finished a long day on your farm, collecting eggs one by one, only to find half of them cracked. It’s not just disappointing—it’s a direct hit to your bottom line. Cracked eggs mean lost sales, especially when feed costs are rising.

In this video, we’ll show you how low calcium in your poultry feed could be the reason why your eggs are cracking. Without the right calcium levels, your hens are producing weak, fragile eggshells. But don’t worry—you don’t need expensive testing equipment to fix this problem. You just need limestone.

The Solution: Limestone as a Calcium Powerhouse

Limestone is rich in calcium carbonate, which contains about 38-40% calcium—exactly what your hens need to produce strong, marketable eggs. When added to your feed, limestone provides the calcium boost your hens need to stop producing weak, cracked eggs. We’ll show you how to use this affordable and readily available solution to protect your profits.

Limestone Contains: 38-40% calcium
Benefits: Stronger eggshells, fewer cracks, and more profits.

How to Add Limestone to Your Poultry Feed
You might be wondering, “How much limestone should I add to my feed?” Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—it depends on the stage of your hens. In this video, we walk you through the exact process of adding limestone to your feed, whether you’re working with growers, developers, or layers.

Grower Feed: 0.8-1% calcium
Developer Feed: 1-1.5% calcium
Pre-Layer Feed: 1.8-2% calcium
Layer Feed: 3.5-4% calcium

We explain the right dosages, when to increase the calcium levels, and most importantly, how to avoid over-supplementing. Remember, while limestone can solve your egg-cracking problems, adding too much can harm your flock's health. We provide a step-by-step guide on how to safely add 2 to 4 kg of limestone per 1000 kg of feed and when you should cap it at 10 kg per 1000 kg of feed.

While you might be tempted to add more if you see improvements, we advise you never to exceed 10 kilograms of limestone per 1000 kg of feed. Over-supplementing calcium can lead to other health issues for your hens, so it’s crucial to stay within the safe range.

What If Adding Limestone Doesn’t Fix the Cracked Egg Problem?
Already tried adding limestone, but your eggs are still cracking? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! The problem might be limestone degradation. Did you know that limestone absorbs moisture from the air, which can lower its calcium content over time? If stored incorrectly, your limestone might be losing its potency without you even knowing!

In this video, we explain how to properly store limestone to prevent calcium loss. Make sure you store it in a dry warehouse, away from moisture and rain, to maintain its calcium levels.

By following the tips in this video, you’ll be able to reduce egg cracks, improve the overall quality of your eggs, and protect your bottom line. Whether you’re running a small farm or a large-scale commercial operation, these tips will help you boost egg production and reduce waste.

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https://youtu.be/j1O8BUYJBJM
#PoultryFarming #eggcracking #limestone #eggquality #poultryfeed #poultryfeeds #PoultryBusiness #EggProduction #CalciumForHens #StrongerEggshells #FarmTips #PetrosFarms

Ever wondered what it's like to care for hundreds of chickens? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a poultry farm pen supervisor. Learn about the essential role pen supervision plays in ensuring the health, well-being, and productivity of chickens. Discover the challenges and rewards of this important job.

Join Youngman Soseipiribo, the Senior Pen Supervisor at Petros Farms, as he guides you through the rigorous and rewarding daily activities of managing a large-scale poultry operation in Africa. This video offers an insider's view into the essential roles and responsibilities of a senior pen supervisor within the dynamic African poultry industry.

🔹 What You'll Learn:
1. The day-to-day tasks of a senior pen supervisor.
2. Insights into effective poultry farm management techniques.
3. The importance of coordination among different farm departments to ensure smooth operations.
4. Strategies for maintaining high standards of animal welfare and farm efficiency.

🔹 About Petros Farms:
Located in the heart of Africa, Petros Farms is not just a poultry business but a transformative force within the community. With over 44,000 chickens across three pens, Petros Farms exemplifies excellence in the sustainable poultry industry, focusing on high productivity without the use of antibiotics.

🔹 Why Watch?
1. Discover how a senior pen supervisor contributes to the success of a poultry farm.
2. Learn about the challenges and achievements of running a poultry farm in Africa.
3. Gain valuable tips for managing a poultry farm effectively, even if you're new to the industry.

https://petrosfarms.com/
#poultryfarming #poultryfarm

Ever wondered what it's like to care for hundreds of chickens? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a poultry farm pen supervisor. Learn about the essential role pen supervision plays in ensuring the health, well-being, and productivity of chickens. Discover the challenges and rewards of this important job.

Join Youngman Soseipiribo, the Senior Pen Supervisor at Petros Farms, as he guides you through the rigorous and rewarding daily activities of managing a large-scale poultry operation in Africa. This video offers an insider's view into the essential roles and responsibilities of a senior pen supervisor within the dynamic African poultry industry.

🔹 What You'll Learn:
1. The day-to-day tasks of a senior pen supervisor.
2. Insights into effective poultry farm management techniques.
3. The importance of coordination among different farm departments to ensure smooth operations.
4. Strategies for maintaining high standards of animal welfare and farm efficiency.

🔹 About Petros Farms:
Located in the heart of Africa, Petros Farms is not just a poultry business but a transformative force within the community. With over 44,000 chickens across three pens, Petros Farms exemplifies excellence in the sustainable poultry industry, focusing on high productivity without the use of antibiotics.

🔹 Why Watch?
1. Discover how a senior pen supervisor contributes to the success of a poultry farm.
2. Learn about the challenges and achievements of running a poultry farm in Africa.
3. Gain valuable tips for managing a poultry farm effectively, even if you're new to the industry.

https://petrosfarms.com/
#poultryfarming #poultryfarm

Are you struggling to find the right feed for your pullets (young hens) between 12 and 16 weeks old? Many commercially available grower feeds lack the essential nutrients for optimal pullet development, which can reduce future egg production. This video introduces Petros Farms Developer Feed, a scientifically formulated feed designed to address these challenges and boost your poultry farming success.

Introducing Petros Farms Developer Feed:
Scientifically Formulated: Specifically designed for 16-week-old pullets.
Nutrient-Rich: Addresses the shortcomings of commercial grower feeds.
Balanced Nutrition: Provides the right balance of protein, fat, fiber, ash, calcium, and phosphorus to support growth and bone development.
Smooth Transition: Promotes a seamless transition to pre-layer and layer feeds.

Key Benefits of Petros Farms Developer Feed:
1. Increased Protein: Supports better growth and muscle development, like a bodybuilder’s protein shake for your pullets.

2. Balanced Fat Levels: Ensures optimal energy, giving your pullets the fuel they need.

3. Optimal Fiber Content: Promotes healthy digestion, acting like a balanced diet for humans.

4. Controlled Ash Content: Maintains a balance of essential minerals, similar to taking a daily multivitamin.

5. High Metabolizable Energy: Supports growth and activity, like a high-energy snack for athletes.

6. Appropriate Calcium Levels: Aids in strong bone development, akin to drinking milk for strong bones.

How to Use Petros Farms Developer Feed:
1. Starting Point: Use Developer Feed at 16 weeks or when pullets reach an average weight of 1300 grams.

2. Switching Feeds: Transition to pre-layer feed once pullets reach the target weight.

Feeding Guidelines: Do not feed pre-layer feed before 15 weeks, even if pullets reach the target weight.

Unlock the full potential of your pullets and boost your egg production with Petros Farms Developer Feed. Watch the video to learn more about how our specialized feed can transform your poultry farming experience.

https://petrosfarms.com/
#poultryfeed #poultryfarming #poultryfeedmakingmachine #poultryfeedmachine

@StarmaxAgriSolutions

Discover how to run a successful poultry farm from anywhere in the world with Petros Farms. Starting a poultry farm in Africa while living abroad. Learn about essential systems, building a dream team, and managing your farm remotely for high-quality, antibiotic-free eggs

Let Systems Run Your Poultry Farm Business

Ever wondered if you could manage a successful poultry farm from anywhere in the world? Imagine the freedom! It might sound impossible, but at Petros Farms, we've cracked the code for efficient poultry farm management.

Effective Poultry Farm Systems Are Key

Our poultry farm runs on robust systems:

System 1: Poultry Protocols - We have 27 protocols ensuring every task, from water testing to vitamin supplementation, is handled efficiently.

System 2: Poultry Farm Calendar - A detailed calendar keeps everyone on track with poultry vaccinations, serology testing, and more.

System 3: Poultry Documentation System - Our paperless system meticulously tracks every detail, ensuring high-quality, antibiotic-free eggs.

Building the Dream Poultry Farm Team
Systems need the right people. Here’s how we do it:

Hands-on Poultry Hiring: We don't rely on agencies. By interviewing over 100 applicants, we ensure our team aligns with our vision.

Attitude Over Skills in Poultry Farming: We prioritize a positive mindset and cultural fit over expertise.
Embrace Diversity in Poultry Farming: Twenty percent of our staff are women, and our diverse team speaks over six languages.

Empower Your Poultry Farm Team: Let your staff gravitate towards their interests, enhancing their roles.

Success in Poultry Farming from Anywhere
Follow these steps and partner with experts like Petros Farms, and you can manage a thriving poultry farm remotely. Learn more about our journey and the secrets to our poultry farming success in this video!

Part 1: https://youtu.be/K3ub22S3Iiw

https://petrosfarms.com/
https://petrosfarms.com/2024/06/chaos-to-eggs-a-powerful-system-for-managing-your-african-poultry-farm-remotely/
#poultryfarming #poultrybusiness #isabrown #batterycage #poultrybusiness #poultryfarmconstruction #teampetrosfarms

Facing collapse in your poultry farm? Discover 5 essential rules for successful poultry farming in Africa, especially for those managing remotely. Starting a poultry farm in Africa while living abroad. Avoid common pitfalls and ensure your business thrives with these expert tips.

Is your poultry farm bleeding money every month, inching closer to collapse due to mismanagement? Are you struggling to oversee your operations from abroad? If you're in the diaspora and contemplating starting a poultry business in Africa, why risk it without consulting someone who's already done it seamlessly? Take action like the owner of GreenValley Poultry Farm before it's too late.

GreenValley Poultry Farm began operation 2 years ago, boasting a capacity of 12,000 layers and 50,000 catfish. Despite hard work and sleepless nights, the owner faced dwindling productivity and shattered dreams. Fortunately, Petros Farms stepped in to uncover the root causes of GreenValley’s decline.

Join us as we tour GreenValley Poultry Farm and explore the 5 Rules to Follow When Starting Poultry Farming in Africa, especially while living abroad.

Rule 1: Learn Poultry Farming
Do not rush to operate without proper understanding. I spent 2 years studying layer management. Mismanagement led to irregular feeding patterns and substandard housing. Learn the basics to avoid costly mistakes.

Rule 2: Choose a Specific Poultry Sector
Poultry farming includes meat production, egg production, feed production, and hatcheries. Focus on one sector initially to ensure sustainability, especially when managing remotely. Poultry layer farming offers predictable sales and manageable complexity.

Rule 3: Know How to Feed Your Chickens
70% of your expenditure will be on feed. Buy quality feed from trusted companies and master proper feeding techniques. GreenValley faced egg production issues due to poor feeding practices. Avoid producing your own feed in the first year.

Rule 4 and Rule 5 to be discussed in Part 2

https://petrosfarms.com/
https://petrosfarms.com/2024/06/chaos-to-eggs-a-powerful-system-for-managing-your-african-poultry-farm-remotely/
#poultryfarming #poultrybusiness #isabrown #batterycage #poultrybusiness #poultryfarmconstruction #teampetrosfarms

Get ready to revolutionize your poultry farm with our comprehensive guide on "No Flies! No Odor! The Best Poultry Litter Management." Say goodbye to pesky flies and unpleasant odors as we delve into the most effective strategies for managing poultry litter.

Did you know that excess moisture in manure is the primary culprit behind most fly control problems in commercial layer operations? Our expert insights reveal the optimal moisture levels for fly egg-laying and larval development, highlighting the importance of managing manure to keep moisture levels below 30%.

Join us as we explore the daily tasks essential for maintaining a fly-free environment, including regular screening for wet spots in the manure pit and the removal and disposal of manure twice a week. Discover how simple practices like frequent aeration and the addition of a carbon source such as charcoal or wood shavings can inhibit fly reproduction and eliminate odors.

Our research-backed approach emphasizes the significance of good hygiene practices for farm workers to mitigate health risks associated with manure management. From effective carbon-to-manure ratios to the proper use of protective gear, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring your poultry farm operates at its cleanest and most efficient.

Transform your poultry farm today with "No Flies! No Odor! The Best Poultry Litter Management." It's time to elevate your farm hygiene and biosecurity standards to new heights!

https://petrosfarms.com/
https://petrosfarms.com/2024/04/no-flies-no-odor-the-best-poultry-litter-management/
#poultryfarming #isabrown #batterycage #poultrybusiness #poultryfarmconstruction #teampetrosfarms

Are you disposing of your commercial layers (Old Hens) too soon? Join us at Petros Farms as we explore the optimal timing for selling your Hens as spent layers. Witness the remarkable journey of our 8,000 ISA Brown hens, defying the odds with an astonishing egg production rate above 70% even at 100 weeks of age. Discover why disposing old hens at 75 weeks may drastically limit profitability and learn about the factors influencing depopulation decisions. In this video, we delve into the critical considerations, including egg production decline, age, health status, and economic viability, to help you make informed decisions for your poultry farm. Don't miss out on maximizing profitability and ensuring the welfare of your flock. Watch now and learn from our experience at Petros Farms.

As the sun rose on March 8, mixed emotions swept through the farm. Whispers of sadness filled the air - 'Why are we getting rid of them?' - alongside occasional expressions of gratitude - 'It is time to say goodbye.' For on this day, Pen House 1 reached a remarkable milestone - surpassing 100 weeks of age. It marked the end of an era as we bid farewell to our pioneer chickens in Pen house 1 at 101 weeks of age.

What truly set Pen House 1 apart was not just its longevity, but its shocking production rate. Against all odds, these pioneer chickens – our first venture into poultry farming - had defied expectations and maintained production above 70%. Despite the passage of time, these extraordinary hens continued to shine, maintaining an egg production rate above 70% - a testament to their resilience and the unwavering care they received at Petros Farms. Their production rate surpassed industry standards, setting a shining example for poultry farms far and wide. Managing your flock to maintain profitable egg production up to 100 weeks is now the benchmark.

In our own case, here are the 4 reasons why we disposed our hens:

1. They were 100 weeks old, having laid 500 eggs each.
2. Mortality increases with age, making it impractical to keep them longer.
3. Our breakeven egg production rate was 68%. While they were still profitable at 70%, the 2% buffer was too small to continue keeping them.
4. The upcoming Easter holiday presented a perfect opportunity to capitalize on the demand.

However, disposing of layers at 75 weeks may result in a significant economic loss, especially considering the potential additional revenue that could be generated by allowing the hens to continue laying eggs up to 100 weeks. To further illustrate this point, let's use our Pen 1 as an example and compare the egg production between 75 weeks and 100 weeks.

For simplicity let’s assume:
1. these chickens laid eggs every 24 hours; and
2. they started laying at 18 weeks of age:

To find out how many eggs 8,000 chickens would have laid by 75 weeks and 100 weeks, we'll use the number of eggs laid per week per chicken and then multiply it by the total number of chickens.

Given: Each chicken lays 7 eggs per week
Number of chickens: 8,000
Eggs laid by 75 weeks:
Number of weeks: 75 - 18 = 57 weeks
Total eggs laid by 75 weeks = (57 weeks) × (7 eggs/week) × (8,000 chickens) = 3,024,000 eggs Or 378 eggs per chicken

Eggs laid by 100 weeks:
Number of weeks: 100 - 18 = 82 weeks
Total eggs laid by 100 weeks = (82 weeks) × (7 eggs/week) × (8,000 chickens) = 4,928,000 eggs or More than 600 eggs per Chicken

Therefore, by 75 weeks, the 8,000 chickens would have laid approximately 3,024,000 eggs, and by 100 weeks, they would have laid approximately 4,928,000 eggs.

In the scenario we calculated, the difference in the number of eggs laid between 75 weeks and 100 weeks is substantial, with approximately 1,904,000 more eggs produced by keeping the hens for an additional 25 weeks.

This represents a substantial loss in potential revenue from egg sales. Therefore, careful consideration of factors such as egg production rate, bird health, and economic viability is essential when deciding the optimal time to dispose of commercial layers."
As the sun began to set on this chapter of their journey, a bittersweet moment loomed on the horizon. Throughout their storied tenure, these noble hens had left an indelible mark on our farm, laying more than 3.5 million eggs in their wake. It was time to bid farewell to these beloved pioneers, as they embarked on their final voyage - a journey into the hands of buyers who would now convert them into chickens for consumption.

Though their time with us had come to an end, their legacy would live on, a testament to our structures, our protocols, and our exceptional managerial team.

So, if you ever want to build your poultry layer farms the Petros farms way, manage your flock using Petros Farms protocols, or have us manage your farm – we are just a phone call or email away.


https://petrosfarms.com #poultryfarm

Petros Farms: Setting the Standard for Cleanliness in Nigerian Poultry Farming. From cutting grass to maintaining biosecurity, our team ensures the highest hygiene standards in poultry farm construction and management. Keeping the farm clean isn't just a job; it's a commitment to our ISA Brown chickens' health. We pride ourselves on providing a clean environment for healthier hens and better-quality eggs. Watch to see why Petros Farms is renowned for its cleanliness.

At Petros Farms, cleanliness isn't just a priority; it's a way of life. Our modern poultry houses and rigorous sanitation protocols reflect our commitment to maintaining hygiene standards.

While some may label us the "dirtiest poultry farm in Nigeria," we proudly stand as a beacon of cleanliness and hygiene in the industry. Petros Farms: Where cleanliness is paramount.

https://petrosfarms.com/
#isabrown #batterycage #isabrown #poultryfarming #poultrybusiness #poultryfarmconstruction #teampetrosfarms