Layer Cage: Seven Key Husbandry Techniques for Raising Laying Hens

In recent years, cage farming has become a popular practice in the aquaculture industry. Layer cage These are cages used for raising laying hens. Cage‑based farming can significantly reduce the space required for the poultry house, increase stocking density, and help prevent the spread of disease. While this method offers many advantages, farmers should also pay attention to certain breeding techniques. Here are seven key tips for raising chickens that we’d like to share with you—let’s take a look!

1. Determining survival at 5 days of age: By the fifth day, chicks are largely established; however, reducing mortality requires three key factors: high-quality chicks, appropriate temperature and humidity, and quality medications.


2. 35 Days: A Lifetime Determination—By the thirty-fifth day after hatching, chickens with poorer physical condition must be selected and raised under a well‑balanced nutritional regimen. At this stage, their average body condition and weight will influence later egg production rates, egg size, peak laying period, and the number of birds culled. Recommended practice: Keep the selected weaker birds in separate pens and provide supplemental lighting to promote growth. Note: Before 70 days of age, additional light supplementation has no adverse effect on layer performance.


3. Setting high production at 80 days of age: By 80 days, the ovaries and oviducts of this layer begin to develop. At this stage, they are most susceptible to infections by bacteria such as *Bacillus* and *Salmonella*, which can lead to poor development of the oviducts and ovaries in this layer, as well as late‑onset, refractory oviductal inflammation. These conditions give rise to numerous issues, including a lower peak production, poor eggshell quality, and an inability to resolve oviductal inflammation.


4. When the laying rate reaches 5%, pay close attention: at this stage, hens are just beginning to lay eggs and are most prone to endocrine and spleen‑stomach imbalances, which may manifest as sparse plumage, constipation, slow feeding, and reduced resistance. This is a period of rapid follicular development and oviduct formation; therefore, it is essential to regulate the spleen, stomach, and endocrine system, provide adequate nutrition, and enhance the bird’s overall resilience.


5. Pay attention to the 50% egg‑laying rate: At this stage, most hens have already begun laying, and the oviduct is under considerable strain, making it prone to inflammation. Follicular development accelerates, demanding greater nutritional intake and placing increased stress on the liver and kidneys. Meanwhile, the bird’s immune defenses are at their lowest. Therefore, during this period, the flock should primarily focus on reducing inflammation, supporting oviduct health, boosting immunity, and providing a well‑balanced diet.


6. When the egg‑production rate reaches 90%, attention should be paid: at this point, egg production has officially peaked, yet 10% of the hens remain non‑laying. To achieve better laying performance in broiler flocks, three measures are necessary: 1. Use traditional Chinese medicine to promote oviduct development and enhance follicular maturation; 2. Eliminate oviduct inflammation; 3. Supplement nutrition to boost the birds’ overall resistance.


7. When the egg production rate drops to 85%: Under normal conditions, when the egg production rate falls to 85%, the body’s internal reserves begin to dwindle. This is also the time when tissues and organs start to age and digestive and absorptive functions begin to decline. Therefore, if you do not pay close attention at this stage, the egg production rate is likely to drop rapidly.