What is Chicken Layer?
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 remain to lay eggs continuously till they are 72-78 weeks of age.
Best Chicken Layers In South Africa
The best layer breeds are Amberlink or Hy-line. These will start laying within two weeks of being bought (20 to 21 weeks of age).
Pullet eggs are small at first, but they gradually increase in size. The number of eggs laid peaks halfway through the year and then starts dropping.
The birds should be kept for one year and then sold as cull hens. Hens that are older than a year lay fewer and fewer eggs until they stop altogether.
They will, however, continue to eat the same amount of food, so your profits will steadily drop until you can no longer afford to run your enterprise.
What is the best chicken for meat in South Africa?
Dual-purpose chicken breeds are suited for both egg and meat production. Many breeds fall into this category, including Black Australorps, New Hampshire’s, and White Leghorns.
Australorp chickens were developed in Australia in the 1900s through the selective breeding of Black Orpington birds.
What types of layers of chickens are in South Africa?
Commercial layers are typically sourced from breeders when they are 18 weeks old.
Most of the commercially available breeds today have been developed out of White Leghorn and New Hampshire crosses, with Amberlink, Hyline, and Lohmann being the most commonly used strains in South Africa.
How much does a layer of chicken cost in South Africa?
You should be able to buy young female chicks for between R10 and R30 each, depending on size, and they will start laying eggs from about 18 weeks of age.