Having adequate knowledge on how to start a layer farm is the first step in ensuring profitability.  Raising egg-laying poultry birds for the purpose of commercial egg production is what layers poultry farming is about.

Layer chickens are such a special species of hens, which need to be raised from when they are one day old. They start laying eggs commercially from 18-19 weeks of age. They continue laying eggs continuously till they 72-78 weeks of age. They can produce about one kg of eggs by consuming about 2.25 kg of food during their egg-laying period.

According to the nature and color of the egg, layer hens are of two types. Short descriptions of these two types are listed below.

White Egg-Laying Hens

This type of hen is comparatively smaller in size. they eat less food, and the color of the eggshell is white. Isa White, Lehman White, Nikchik, Bab Cock BV-300, Harvard White, Hi Sex White, Sever White, Hi-line White, Bovanch White, etc. are some popular white egg-laying chickens.

Brown Egg-Laying Hens

Brown egg-laying hens are s larger in size. They eat more food, compared to white egg layers. Lay bigger eggs than other laying breeds. The eggshell is brown colored. There are many types of brown layers available. Among those Isa Brown, Hi Sex Brown, Sever 579, Lehman Brown, Hi Line Brown, Bab Cock BV-380, Gold Line, Bablona Tetro, Bablona Harko, Havard Brown, etc. are very suitable for the commercial layer.

In this case, you have to select those breeds which are suitable for your layer poultry farming business and can produce well in your area.

The common breeds of chickens in Nigeria are Isa Brown, Arbor Acres, Marshall, Ross, Kuroilers, White Cockerel, and a Black cockerel. Always ask about the breed you are buying as well as the peculiarity of the breed.

For commercial eggs production, read below before selecting your breed; *Choose highly productive laying hens correctly.

  • All type of hens does not produce equal numbers of eggs.
  • The chosen breeds must have good production capability.

If your chosen breed contains the desired characteristic and has a reputation for egg production, then that breed is suitable for your business.