Day Old Commercial Layers

Young chicks bred for high egg production. They’re vaccinated at the hatchery. They require brooding, proper feeding, & housing from day one.

Day Old Commercial Layers

Product Information

Day-old commercial layers are young chicks bred for high egg production, typically vaccinated at the hatchery, and require a specific management plan including brooding, proper feeding, and housing from day one. These chicks are the foundation for an egg-laying operation, needing careful handling during the brooding period to ensure health, rapid growth, and a strong start

Additional Information

What to know about day-old commercial layers

Purpose:

These chicks are specifically bred to become hens that lay a high number of eggs over an extended period.
Vaccination:

Reputable suppliers vaccinate the chicks against common diseases at the hatchery to ensure they get a healthy start.
Brooding phase:

The initial four weeks are critical and are known as the brooding phase. During this time, chicks need a warm environment with a consistent heat source, appropriate litter, and a high-quality starter feed.
Housing:

Provide a clean, dry, and draft-free area with a deep litter of wood shavings or rice husks. A brooder guard (a circular plywood barrier) is recommended to keep the chicks together and near the heat source.

Key management practices

Heat:

Provide a reliable heat source like a brooder lamp or jiko to maintain the correct temperature, adjusting as the chicks grow.
Light:

Ensure chicks have about 23 hours of light per day for the first seven days to promote development.
Feeding:

Start with chicks on paper spread on the litter or in feeder lids/trays for the first 10 days before transitioning to adult feeders. Avoid mixing different types of feed, which can disrupt the nutrient balance.
Water:

Always provide fresh, clean water. Use appropriate-sized drinkers and clean them regularly.
Biosecurity:

Maintain strict biosecurity to prevent disease by limiting access and properly cleaning equipment before it is used with new flocks