Growth Stages from Chicks to Laying Hens are more than just biological transitions—they represent the building blocks of a healthy, productive flock and a profitable poultry operation. Whether you’re a seasoned layer breeder or just starting out in the poultry industry, understanding these phases can dramatically impact the success of your birds. From the fragile brooding period to the peak laying months, every stage demands attention, precision, and care. In this guide, we break down each phase in a way that’s easy to understand, full of expert insight, and rooted in practical advice. Read on to gain clear, science-backed knowledge that you can apply directly to your farm or poultry facility.
Understanding the Growth Stages from Chicks to Laying Hens
From the moment a chick hatches until it starts laying eggs, it goes through several critical growth stages. These stages include:
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Brooding (0–6 weeks)
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Growing pullets (6–14 weeks)
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Pre-lay (15–18 weeks)
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Peak laying (19–30 weeks)
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Post-peak and maintenance (30+ weeks)
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Each stage brings specific needs in terms of feed, light, housing, and care. Layer breeders who tailor their management practices to each stage can expect stronger birds, higher egg production, and fewer losses.
Why Knowing the Growth Stages Matters for Layer Breeders
It’s not just about raising chickens—it’s about raising productive laying hens. A clear understanding of each developmental phase allows you to:
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Anticipate the nutritional and environmental needs of your birds
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Prevent common diseases at vulnerable stages
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Support steady growth and avoid growth slumps
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Achieve better egg size, shell quality, and laying consistency
Many costly problems stem from skipping or mismanaging key transitions. For example, a lack of calcium before the pre-lay stage can lead to weak bones and poor shell formation once laying begins.
Stage One: Brooding Period (0 to 6 Weeks)
– Laying a Strong Foundation for Healthy Chicks
The first few weeks of life are crucial. During this time, chicks are highly sensitive to changes in temperature, light, and hygiene. The brooding area should be warm (32–35°C in the first week, gradually reducing by 2–3°C weekly), dry, draft-free, and well-ventilated.
Feed chicks with a starter diet high in protein (20–22%) to support early growth and immune system development. Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Lighting should mimic natural conditions—about 22 hours of light during the first few days, gradually reduced to 16–18 hours. This phase lays the groundwork for healthy feathers, bone development, and organ function.
Stage Two: Growing Pullets (6 to 14 Weeks)
– Building Bone and Body for Future Layers
Once chicks move past the brooding stage, they become pullets. This is the time to focus on skeletal development and muscle growth. Feed should transition to a grower ration (16–18% protein) and contain adequate levels of phosphorus and calcium to build strong bones.
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This stage also calls for increased space—overcrowding at this age can cause stress and result in uneven growth. A well-managed lighting program should now simulate daylight hours (about 10–12 hours daily) to avoid early sexual maturity, which can affect long-term laying performance.
Stage Three: Pre-Lay Period (15 to 18 Weeks)
– Getting Ready for the First Egg
Hormonal changes begin around 15 weeks as the reproductive system starts to mature. Birds now need a pre-layer or developer feed containing around 2–2.5% calcium, preparing them for the demands of egg production.
At this stage, increase lighting gradually by 30 minutes per week until it reaches 14–16 hours. This signals the birds’ bodies to prepare for laying. Missteps here—such as sudden light changes or wrong feed—can delay or reduce the quality of the first lay.
Stage Four: Peak Laying Period (19 to 30 Weeks)
– Maximizing Egg Production and Health
Once hens start laying, their feed should switch to a layer ration with 16–18% protein and 3.5–4% calcium. This ensures optimal egg production and shell strength.
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Environmental stressors like loud noise, sudden light shifts, or feed changes can drastically affect egg output. Keep conditions stable, provide perches for comfort, and ensure constant access to water. Supporting hens with vitamin D3, calcium, and phosphorus supplements can help them reach peak performance efficiently.
Stage Five: Post-Peak and Maintenance (30 Weeks and Beyond)
– Keeping Laying Hens Healthy and Consistent
After 30 weeks, hens typically maintain a steady laying rate if managed properly. This is when consistency matters most. Small drops in feed intake, lighting changes, or illness can lead to declining egg numbers.
Continue with a balanced layer feed, and conduct regular flock health assessments. Monitor for signs of egg binding, respiratory infections, or feather loss. These issues, if caught early, can be treated without significant loss.
Adjusting energy levels in the diet during hot or cold seasons helps maintain body weight and egg quality. In colder months, increased energy is vital to offset temperature-related stress.
Nutritional Needs at Every Growth Stage from Chicks to Laying Hens
Each stage comes with its own dietary demands. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
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Starter Feed (0–6 weeks): High protein (20–22%), rich in vitamins A, D, and E
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Grower Feed (6–14 weeks): Moderate protein (16–18%), focused on muscle and bone
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Pre-Layer Feed (15–18 weeks): Prepares birds for calcium absorption
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Layer Feed (19+ weeks): High calcium (3.5–4%), protein (16–18%), and micronutrients
Using well-formulated concentrates, premixes, and additives ensures that birds meet their needs without deficiencies or imbalances. Quality feed isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
