PRACTICAL LAYER PRODUCTION
➤ Topic: Housing, Equipment, and General Management Practices
Effective housing and management are fundamental to successful layer production. Proper facilities, appropriate equipment, and good daily practices directly influence bird welfare, productivity, and farm profitability.
1. Importance of Proper Housing
Housing plays a critical role in protecting birds from adverse weather conditions (rain, wind, cold, and excessive heat), predators, and theft. Well-designed housing minimizes stress, reduces disease incidence, and lowers mortality rates. Birds that are comfortable and secure tend to consume feed efficiently, grow well, and achieve higher egg production.
Poor housing conditions cannot be compensated for by high-quality feed or medication.
Proper housing contributes to:
Improved growth and body development of pullets
Higher egg production and better egg quality
Reduced feed wastage
Easier daily management and supervision
2. Site Selection for a Layer House
The location of a poultry house significantly affects flock health and performance.
A suitable site should:
Be well drained and free from flooding
Be located at a reasonable distance from other poultry houses (approximately 10–50 meters)
Be away from excessive noise and busy roads
Have access to a reliable source of clean water
Be easily accessible for transportation of feed, eggs, and farm inputs
House Orientation
An East–West orientation is generally recommended because it reduces direct sunlight penetration and helps minimize heat stress inside the house.
3. Types of Layer Housing Systems
a) Deep Litter System
Birds are housed on the floor, which is covered with litter material such as wood shavings or rice husks.
Advantages
Low construction cost
Suitable for small and medium-scale farmers
Allows birds to move freely
Disadvantages
Higher risk of disease if litter becomes wet or poorly managed
Eggs may become dirty if nesting areas are inadequate
Stocking density
Adult layers: 4–5 birds per square meter
b) Battery Cage System
Birds are kept in wire cages with feed and water provided within each cage.
Advantages
Cleaner eggs
Reduced feed wastage
Easier egg collection
Improved disease control
Disadvantages
High initial investment cost
Requires skilled and consistent management
Space requirement
Approximately 450–550 square centimeters per bird
c) Slatted Floor System
Birds are housed on raised slatted floors, allowing droppings to fall through to the area below.
Advantages
Cleaner birds
Improved ventilation
Reduced contact with manure
Disadvantages
High construction cost
Risk of foot injuries if slats are poorly designed
4. Space Requirements at Different Ages
Overcrowding can lead to stress, feather pecking, cannibalism, disease outbreaks, and reduced egg production. Providing adequate space is therefore essential
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