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Egg production is one of the most profitable sectors in poultry farming, especially in Nigeria where the demand for eggs remains high year-round. Raising layer birds successfully requires proper planning, sound management practices, and continuous attention to their health and nutrition.

Layers are birds bred specifically for laying eggs, and with the right care, a flock can produce eggs consistently for 12 to 18 months. For farmers looking to invest in poultry farming for regular income, layers offer a stable and scalable opportunity.

This article presents a practical guide on how to raise layers for egg production, particularly in the Nigerian context. It covers the most essential aspects of managing layer birds, beginning with housing and brooding, followed by feeding practices, disease prevention, and health management. It also explores the importance of lighting, environmental control, and egg handling techniques to maintain productivity and egg quality.

One of the main goals of this article is to help new and existing farmers avoid common mistakes that lead to poor egg yields and economic losses. Raising layers is not just about keeping birds alive—it’s about optimizing every stage of their life cycle for maximum production. From choosing the right breed to maintaining biosecurity, each detail affects the outcome of your poultry business.

By the end of this article, readers will understand what it takes to raise layers efficiently and profitably. Whether you operate on a small scale in your backyard or on a larger commercial farm, these practices will guide you toward achieving higher egg yields, healthier birds, and better returns on your investment.

1. Housing and Brooding Management for Layers

Housing is the first critical step in raising layers for egg production. A well-structured poultry house protects the birds from harsh weather, predators, and disease while providing an environment that promotes comfort and productivity.

In Nigeria’s tropical climate, good ventilation is essential to keep birds cool, especially during the dry season. The house should be spacious enough to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to stress, feather pecking, and reduced egg production.

For layers, a floor space of about 1.5 to 2 square feet per bird is ideal. The structure can be either deep litter or battery cage system. Deep litter is more common among small to medium-scale farmers, while cages are preferred for large-scale operations due to better feed efficiency and egg cleanliness. Regardless of the system used, the floor must be kept dry and clean at all times to prevent disease outbreaks.

Brooding is the stage from day-old to about eight weeks of age. During this time, chicks require extra warmth, care, and monitoring. A brooder with heat sources such as charcoal heaters, gas brooders, or electric bulbs should be prepared before the chicks arrive. The temperature should be around 32–35°C for the first week, then reduced gradually each week by 2–3°C until ambient temperatures are suitable.

Clean water and starter feed must be provided immediately. Vaccination schedules should be strictly followed, and all equipment must be sanitized before use. A record of mortality, weight gain, and feed consumption should be kept for performance tracking.

Good brooding and housing practices create the foundation for a productive layer flock. If the birds are stressed or exposed to poor conditions early in life, it will impact their laying capacity later. Therefore, giving attention to the initial stages is critical for long-term egg production success.

Read Also: How to Increase Egg Production in Commercial Layers

2. Feeding and Nutrition for High Egg Production

Proper feeding and nutrition are the most important factors influencing the productivity of layer birds. To achieve consistent egg production, layers must receive a balanced diet tailored to their age, physiological stage, and production goals. The nutritional needs of a pullet (young hen) differ from that of a laying hen, so feed must be adjusted accordingly.

Layers generally go through three main feeding phases: chick starter (0–8 weeks), grower feed (9–18 weeks), and layer feed (19 weeks onward). During the laying period, feed should contain at least 16–18% crude protein and high calcium content—about 3.5 to 4%—to support eggshell formation. Other essential nutrients include energy sources (from maize or sorghum), amino acids (like lysine and methionine), and vitamins A, D3, and E, which are crucial for reproductive health.

Clean, fresh water must be available at all times, as water intake directly affects feed consumption and egg production. In hot weather, birds drink more water, and their feed intake may reduce, which can impact egg yield. Electrolytes and vitamin supplements can help reduce heat stress and support egg production during such times.

Feeding should be done at regular intervals, usually twice a day, and in a clean environment to avoid contamination and wastage. Feeding trays and drinkers must be properly spaced to allow all birds equal access. Periodic assessment of body weight and egg output helps determine if nutritional needs are being met.

Some farmers opt for commercial feed, while others mix their feed using local ingredients. Regardless of the approach, feed quality should never be compromised. Proper nutrition not only boosts egg production but also strengthens shell quality, reduces disease susceptibility, and prolongs the productive life of the birds.

3. Health Management and Disease Prevention

Health management is essential for maintaining consistent egg production in layer birds. Diseases and poor health can quickly reduce productivity and even wipe out entire flocks if not managed properly. Prevention is always more effective and affordable than treatment, which is why biosecurity and routine health practices are vital in poultry farming.

Vaccination is a cornerstone of disease prevention. Chicks must be vaccinated according to a schedule that protects them from diseases such as Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, Marek’s disease, and fowl pox. Failure to vaccinate can result in outbreaks that are difficult and expensive to control. Deworming should also be done every few weeks, especially in deep litter systems where parasites thrive.

Maintaining a clean environment is non-negotiable. The poultry house must be cleaned regularly, and droppings should be removed to prevent ammonia build-up and disease. Waterers and feeders should be washed daily. Footbaths containing disinfectants should be placed at the entrance to prevent contamination from external visitors.

Stress management is another crucial aspect of health care. Factors like overcrowding, poor ventilation, sudden changes in diet, and extreme temperatures can lower immunity and invite disease. Keeping the birds in a calm, comfortable environment helps reduce stress and maintain egg output.

Farmers should also monitor their flock daily for signs of illness, such as droopiness, loss of appetite, or sudden drop in egg production. Isolating sick birds and consulting a veterinarian promptly can prevent the spread of infections.

A good health management plan not only saves money in the long term but ensures that birds remain productive for most of their laying cycle. Healthy birds are the backbone of a profitable egg production business.

4. Lighting and Environmental Control

Lighting plays a key role in regulating egg production in layer birds. Chickens are photosensitive, and their laying cycle is influenced by the amount and duration of light they receive. To maintain consistent egg output, layer birds require at least 14 to 16 hours of light per day once they begin laying. Insufficient lighting can lead to a significant drop in egg production, especially during the shorter daylight months.

In commercial operations, artificial lighting is often used to supplement natural daylight. Fluorescent or LED bulbs are commonly installed in poultry houses and programmed using timers to maintain a consistent light schedule. It is important to maintain even light distribution across the entire poultry house to ensure all birds are equally stimulated. The light should not be too dim or too harsh; a light intensity of 10–20 lux is usually sufficient.

Temperature and ventilation are equally important. Layers perform best in environments where temperatures range between 18°C and 27°C. High temperatures can cause heat stress, leading to reduced feed intake, soft-shelled eggs, and even mortality. During Nigeria’s hot seasons, proper airflow, open-sided housing, and the use of cooling systems like fans or wet curtains can help regulate temperature.

Humidity should also be monitored, as overly damp conditions promote the growth of pathogens. Good ventilation helps control humidity levels, removes ammonia from droppings, and supplies fresh oxygen to the birds.

Noise, sudden movements, and overcrowding can also stress the birds, so maintaining a calm, stable environment is essential. By effectively managing lighting, temperature, and other environmental factors, farmers can significantly enhance egg production and bird welfare throughout the laying cycle.

5. Egg Collection, Handling, and Record Keeping

Once layer birds begin producing eggs, proper egg collection and handling become daily priorities. Eggs should be collected at least three times a day—early morning, midday, and late afternoon. Regular collection prevents eggs from getting dirty, cracked, or eaten by other birds. In battery cage systems, eggs automatically roll out onto trays, making collection easier and cleaner. In deep litter systems, nests should be provided and kept clean to encourage hens to lay in designated areas.

Clean hands or gloves should be used during collection, and dirty eggs should be wiped gently with a dry cloth or lightly sandpapered. Washing eggs is not recommended unless necessary, as it can remove the natural protective layer and expose them to contamination. If eggs must be washed, use warm water and dry them immediately.

After collection, eggs should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably at 13–18°C with a humidity level of 70–80%. Proper storage helps maintain freshness and shelf life. For farmers selling to supermarkets or wholesalers, sorting eggs by size and weight can increase market value.

In addition to physical handling, accurate record keeping is essential. Farmers should keep daily records of the number of eggs collected, feed consumption, mortality, vaccination, and unusual behavior in the flock. These records help track performance and identify problems early.

Analyzing records can reveal trends such as declining production, feed inefficiency, or disease outbreaks. They also help in making informed decisions about culling, re-stocking, or changing feeding routines.

Good egg handling and proper documentation not only ensure product quality but also support the long-term profitability and growth of the egg production business.

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