Starting a small layer unit for eggs. Which birds lay best and how do I manage light and feed for good egg numbers?
Which layer breed and how to manage hens for good egg production?
HHardeep Singh7mo ago · 251 views
6 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓7mo ago
Commercial layer strains such as the white and brown egg hybrids are bred specifically for high egg numbers and are the usual choice for a layer unit, while dual purpose breeds lay fewer eggs but suit backyard systems. A good commercial layer can lay close to an egg most days during peak production with proper care. Layers need a balanced layer feed with enough calcium for strong shells, clean water at all times, and a steady lighting programme, since day length strongly affects laying. Bring pullets into lay at the right age, avoid sudden feed or light changes that cause a drop, and keep the house clean, cool and well ventilated. Follow your hatchery and veterinarian for vaccination, and cull poor layers to keep the flock efficient.
JJagtar Singh6mo ago
The lighting routine surprised me when I started. Keeping the lighting steady and not chopping and changing kept my hens laying consistently. Any disturbance to the routine and the egg numbers would dip for days, so I keep it regular.
BBalwinder Kaur5mo ago
Calcium for shell strength is something to watch. When my layer feed ran short on it I started getting thin shelled and cracked eggs that lost value. Using a proper layer feed and adding the calcium source my vet suggested fixed the shell problem and reduced breakages.
GGurdeep Singh5mo ago
Cull the freeloaders. In every batch there are a few hens that eat but barely lay, and they quietly eat your profit. Keeping the house cool in summer also matters, my hens dropped production badly in the heat until I improved the ventilation and water.
MManjit Kaur4mo ago
Do not change the feed brand or type suddenly, the hens dropped lay for nearly a week each time I switched abruptly. Now if I have to change I mix the old and new for a few days. Steady feed and steady light together gave me the most even egg numbers.
SSukhdev Brar4mo ago
Mind the age you bring pullets into lay, rushing them with extra light too early gave me small eggs and birds that tired out sooner. Following the hatchery guidance on lighting and lay age, and getting them vaccinated on time, gave a longer steadier laying period overall.