Layer poultry farming means raising egg laying poultry birds for the purpose of commercial egg production. Layer chickens are such a special species of hens, which need to be raised from when they are one day old.

Characteristics of a good layer

• Bright red comb and wattles
• Alert eyes
• Width between pelvic bones should measure at least 2 fingers
• The beak and claws should look bleached
• The cloaca should be moist

Management of Layers

• Allow for good air circulation in laying house
• Layer needs on average 120 gm of food per day
• Distribute food troughs and water troughs evenly (one basin/50 birds)
• Provide grit at 20 weeks
• Laying nests must be kept in dark places, collect eggs 3 times a day, allow a nest/5 hens
• Provide soft clean litter
• Store eggs with small end down
• Clean dirty eggs with steel wool/coarse leaves (never wash them)
• Add greens to the diet and whenever possible vitamins to water
• De-beaking at onset of lay
• Culling when egg production drops below 40%