How to Increase Egg Laying Rate

• Main reason of low laying rate by indigenous hens is due to their desire to brood the eggs and the prolong rearing period.

• A hen normally takes about 21 days of brooding and 75 days of rearing.

• Hence, by reducing their desire for brooding, indigenous hens can produce an average of 200 eggs per year.

• Reasons for hens’ desire to brood are hormonal changes, availability of light & heat and chest exposures with their eggs.

• To cut down the brooding desire, the hen has to be taken out from the nest and place under a basket or cage at cool and well-light location, providing enough food and water. By doing this, the hens will lay eggs again after 14 days.

• If chickens are raised naturally, chicks rearing period will be prolong and production tends to decrease.

• By rearing young chicks separately, hens can lay more eggs from 3-4 times to 5-6 times a year.

• In addition, chicks can also be prevented from predators such as dogs, crows and eagles.

Figure 9 Fresh and Nutritious Eggs