Farm Egg Production Process
Producing farm-fresh eggs requires proper breed selection, nutrition, housing, and care to ensure high-quality egg production. Below is a step-by-step guide to raising layer chickens for egg farming.
1. Selecting the Right Breed
Choose high-yielding layer breeds such as:
✅ White Leghorn – Best for commercial egg production (white eggs)
✅ Rhode Island Red – Hardy breed (brown eggs)
✅ ISA Brown, Hy-Line Brown – High egg production
2. Chick Brooding Phase (0-8 Weeks)
- Temperature: 32-34°C initially, reducing by 2-3°C weekly
- Feed: Starter feed (20-22% protein)
- Light: 22-24 hours for rapid growth
- Water: Clean water with probiotics for strong immunity
- Health: Vaccination for Marek’s Disease, Newcastle Disease
3. Grower Phase (9-18 Weeks)
- Feed: Grower feed (16-18% protein) to support body development
- Light: 12-14 hours per day
- Space: Increase coop space to prevent overcrowding
- Outdoor Access: Encourage free movement for stronger bones
- Health: Monitor for parasites, natural supplements (garlic, turmeric)
4. Pre-Laying Phase (19-20 Weeks)
- Feed: Switch to layer feed (16-18% protein, calcium-rich)
- Nesting Setup: Provide 1 nest per 4-5 hens with clean bedding
- Light Hours: Gradually increase to 16 hours daily
- Health Check: Ensure good weight and smooth transition to laying
5. Egg-Laying Phase (21-72 Weeks)
- Production Start: Hens start laying around 20-22 weeks
- Feed: High-calcium layer feed for strong eggshells
- Water: Fresh, clean water always available
- Light Management: 16 hours daily to maximize egg production
- Egg Collection: 2-3 times daily to keep eggs clean and fresh
- Health & Hygiene: Maintain a clean coop to prevent disease
6. Peak & Decline in Egg Production
- Peak Production: 24-50 weeks (hens lay 5-7 eggs per week)
- Decline Begins: After 72 weeks, production slows
- Culling & Replacement: Old layers are sold, and new pullets are introduced
