Continuous egg production

[Cyn123]

Does anyone have a method for continuous egg production?? As in when to buy new birds to take over for molters and old layers?? We have a small egg business with customers and trying to figure out how often to add new birds to flock. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Fred's Hens]

This is a challenge, but it can be done. We're transitioning away from the hard core aspect of the egg biz, but we did it for years. You've got to plan well.

Spring chicks of top laying strains, such as ISA Browns, Leghorns and all the Leghorn type/crosses, RSL of most kinds will fit the bill. They mature quickly, have good feed conversion and smaller bodied, and lay early and lay heavy. But, as you can probably guess, they also burn out somewhat early as well.

Spring chicks means chicks hatched in March. You want them laying heavy on or before the autumnal equinox and daylight begins to fade. They won't moult that first winter, so they'll lay right on through, even with limited supplemental lighting. Next spring, more new layer chicks in March.

Keep the older birds until August or September, but then peddle them. The new pullets are coming on anyhow. The older birds will moult that second autumn/winter and leave you with 4 to 6 weeks of downtime, causing your egg count to be way off.

This is the rotation plan. It is a 1/2 the flock in and 1/2 the flock out kind of plan. Always carry a few extra birds into fall. Deaths happen. Losses occur and layers are extremely difficult to procure at that time of year. You likely want to keep your flock pretty much closed off from outside exposure anyhow.

 

[Cyn123]

Thanks for the insight! We're hoping to do the best we can!