Layer hens: Unlocking the egg-cellent truth

Essential tips for egg farming
Mastering layer hen management is crucial for Namibian farmers to produce eggs efficiently and profitably.
Hanks Saisai
  • 1 Day Ago
A growing number of farmers and agripreneurs are venturing into egg and poultry meat production, and this trend continues to rise. However, for those who want to specialise in producing fresh table eggs, it is important to understand that only certain types of chickens are suitable.

Layers, as they are commonly known, are the leading hens used worldwide for egg production. In Namibia, Lohmann hens (usually brown) are the dominant breed, producing between 295 and 320 eggs per hen annually.

Before starting out, farmers should conduct market research to identify potential buyers such as households, wholesalers or restaurants. This helps determine demand volumes and patterns, allowing production to be planned accordingly.

Farmers also need to decide whether to invest in day-old chicks or point-of-lay hens. Day-old chicks cost around N$28 each and require careful feeding. From day 1 to 42 (week 6), they should be given chick/pullet starter. From day 43 to 112, the diet should change to chick/pullet grower. At day 113, when they reach point-of-lay, the feed must switch to layer mash. As a rule of thumb, hens should always have access to food and water, with rations given at 07h00 and 15h30 daily.



Production cycle, feeding and seasonal management

Egg production usually begins between weeks 16 and 20. Farmers should record the date when around 15–30% of hens begin laying, as this marks the start of a 365-day production cycle. During this period, hens require 16–17 hours of light daily - 12 hours from sunlight (06:00 to 18:00) and an additional 4 to 5 hours of artificial light in the poultry house.

Feeding requirements vary by season. In summer, each hen should receive about 110 grams per day for 243 days. In winter, this rises to 130 grams per hen per day over the 122 days of the season. When temperatures drop sharply, farmers should use 175W infrared heat bulbs in coops to keep hens warm and maintain egg production.



Housing systems, health and roductivity

Layers can be reared in two main systems: the Deep Litter System and the Battery Cage System.

In the Deep Litter System, hens are kept in a coop with bedding material spread 7.5 cm deep. Stocking density is 6 hens per m², allowing freedom of movement and natural insulation. However, it is difficult to track individual hen productivity.

In the Battery Cage System, hens are housed in cage compartments, usually 3 to 4 per section. A 24-compartment cage can accommodate about 96 hens. This makes monitoring productivity and feed control easier, though hens may suffer from stress after several months, especially if not grouped by size or social behaviour, which can lead to bullying.



Supplements, health and handling

Supplements such as Opti-Boost or Stresspac provide essential minerals including calcium, iron and zinc. Vaccinations against ND Clone 30, IB Ma5, Gumboro D78, and Nobilis Coryza are vital for disease prevention. Deworming with Piperazine is also recommended. Farmers should note that hens recognise colours, so it is helpful to wear consistent clothing when handling them.

Understanding your layer hens is the first step to producing eggs profitably and sustainably. Farmers should aim for around six eggs per hen per week, over a 365-day cycle. At the end of this cycle, hens should be replaced to maintain consistent productivity.

* Hanks Saisai is Agribank Technical Advisor: Crops & Poultry