Layer Cages: Rearing and Management Practices at Each Stage of Layer Production

Layer cage Cage rearing is applied throughout all stages of the laying period. Based on the hens’ laying phases, it is divided into the pre-laying, mid-laying, and post-laying periods.

(1) The Pre‑Laying Phase. Typically, 21–24 weeks of age marks the onset of laying, at which point mature hens are moved from floor‑rearing systems to three‑dimensional cages in the layer house. During this period, pre‑laying feed is introduced, and the calcium content of the diet should be increased from 1% to 2%. Concurrently, the hens’ ovaries and secondary sexual characteristics develop rapidly, and feed intake rises markedly. It is essential to allow free access to feed to meet their nutritional requirements. Currently, there are two main approaches to feeding laying hens: one involves gradually adjusting the dietary nutrient supply in response to the rising egg‑production rate; the other entails initiating such adjustments early, when the flock’s egg production reaches 5–10%. In addition, during this phase, vaccinations against Newcastle disease, avian influenza, egg‑drop syndrome, and other diseases should be administered according to the established immunization schedule to prevent post‑vaccination immune responses from adversely affecting egg production.


(2) Mid‑laying period. The mid‑laying period spans weeks 25 to 42. Under normal management conditions, hens at 23–24 weeks of age should reach a laying rate of 50%. During this phase, the laying rate increases rapidly, eventually peaking. The primary objectives during the peak laying period are to maintain a steady supply of nutrients and consistent management practices, minimize stressors, and restrict access to the poultry house to breeding personnel only; no other staff members should enter. The color of the caretakers’ clothing should remain relatively uniform, and interruptions to feed, water, or electricity must be avoided. Temperature must be even and appropriate, and the environment should remain quiet.


(3) Late laying period. The 43–72-week age range marks the late laying phase, during which protein intake should be adjusted appropriately in response to the declining egg production rate. Typically, when the laying rate exceeds 85%, each hen should receive 18 grams of dietary protein per day; as the rate drops to 80–75%, the daily protein allowance is reduced to 16 grams; and when the rate falls to 70–65%, the daily protein intake should be lowered to 14 grams per hen. Additionally, due to the hot summer weather, laying hens often exhibit reduced appetites and decreased feed intake; therefore, the protein level in the diet should be slightly increased. In winter, as cold temperatures raise the energy required to maintain body temperature, the metabolic energy content of the feed should be appropriately elevated to prevent adverse effects on egg production.