Layer Hen House ProductionWhich came first, the chicken or the egg?

Objectives:Explain operations of a layer hen houseDetermine resources neededExplain layer house contracts Identify equipment needsExplain the reproduction cycle in layer

hen housesDefine time line for layer production

What is the purpose of Layer Hen Houses?

What is the difference in a Layer House and a Layer Hen House?

Layer House: Eggs are for human consumption Eggs are not fertilized No roosters necessary Eggs are kept cooler

Layer Hen House: Eggs are for hatching Roosters are necessary to fertilize eggs Eggs must be cared for to protect the embryo

Operations of Layer Hen House Walking the house Weigh and run feed Record egg production

and mortality Lights on and off

Maintaining house temperature

Feed truck Egg truck

Operations cont. Picking up the

eggs Pick up 3-4 times

daily Sort by size and

abnormality

Operations cont. Picking up the eggs (cont.)

Clean eggs Place eggs in trays Place eggs into buggies Put eggs into cool room

Resources needed

Hens Roosters Feed Water Medication Labor

House Contracts The company pays for and delivers:

Chickens Feed Medicine Egg trays and buggies

The grower pays for: Water Electricity Propane Disposal of dead birds Wash down Clean out Shavings

Reproductive Cycle Chickens received from

pullet houses Roosters and hens mate Chickens begin laying eggs New roosters are added to

the house to keep egg production steady

Eggs are sent to company hatchery

Hatched chicks are sent to broiler houses

Chickens at 65 weeks of age are removed from the layer hen house and sold to companies

New hens and roosters are received about 8 weeks later

Layer House Equipment House Scale room and feed bin Generator

Layer House Equipment cont. Conveyor belt and

stations in newer houses

Cool room

Layer House Equipment cont. Nests, drinkers, and feeder chain Cool cells, fans, lights and curtains

Time Line for Layer Hen House Production Receive chickens at 21 weeks of age Receive new roosters Egg production continues from 21 to 65 weeks of age Keep chickens until 65 weeks of age Clean out house Restock house with shavings and equipment The layer house is vacant for 8 weeks