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WHEN will my chickens start laying BIG EGGS?

If you're a poultry farmer, this question has likely crossed your mind: "When will my chickens start laying big eggs?" Wondering when your hens will start laying big eggs? Discover the exact timeline, tips, and key factors to help your chickens lay big eggs consistently. Whether you're new to poultry farming or managing a large commercial operation, egg size matters. It’s more than a curiosity—it directly impacts your profits, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation. At Petros Farms, we’ve worked with thousands of farmers across Nigeria and know the importance of understanding the timeline, factors, and solutions that influence egg size. This video is to help you manage your expectations, boost your productivity, and run a more profitable poultry business. What’s the Big Deal About Big Eggs? In most African markets, larger eggs attract premium prices. Supermarkets, bakeries, and bulk buyers prefer medium to extra-large eggs for their consistency, shell quality, and yolk size. So, if your flock is producing small "pullet eggs" for too long, you're not just losing size—you're losing money. Understanding the Egg-Laying Timeline Your birds won't start laying large eggs overnight. Here's the typical progression: Age (in Weeks): Expected Egg Size 18–22: Small / Pullet Eggs 23–27 : Medium Eggs 28–35 : Large to Extra-Large Eggs 36+ : Peak Size (with slight gains) Important: This timeline applies to most commercial breeds used in Africa—ISA Brown, Lohmann Brown, Bovans, and others. What Factors Influence Egg Size? Getting to those big, beautiful eggs isn’t automatic. Here's what affects the size and when they appear: 1. Breed Selection Different breeds are programmed for different outcomes. ISA Brown, Hyline Brown, and Lohmann Brown are top performers in Africa due to their ability to lay consistent, large eggs under tropical conditions. 2. Nutrition & Feeding Strategy Egg size is built from nutrients. Your birds need a balanced layer feed with: • High protein (16–18%) • Sufficient calcium (3.5–4%) • Methionine & lysine (amino acids essential for egg mass) Switching to layer feed around 16 weeks of age is critical to prepare their bodies for egg production. 3. Body Weight at Point of Lay (POL) Undersized hens lay smaller eggs. For ISA Browns, the ideal POL weight is around 1.5 to 1.6 kg. Monitor weekly weights and adjust feeding if your flock is underdeveloped. 4. Lighting Program Consistent lighting triggers reproductive hormones. Gradual light increases help regulate laying cycles and egg growth. Sudden lighting changes disrupt this balance and may delay large egg production. 5. Stress Levels Stress—from heat, overcrowding, high-stocking density, poor ventilation, or noise—can cause delays in laying and smaller eggs. Always provide a stable, low-stress environment. 6. Flock Age Even with perfect management, it takes time. Most hens naturally lay small eggs initially. By week 30, most will consistently produce medium to large-sized eggs. What If My Chickens Are Laying Small Eggs Beyond 28 Weeks? That’s a red flag. Possible causes include: • Nutritional deficiencies • Low body weight at start of lay • Poor lighting routines • Heat stress or inconsistent water supply • Breed limitations (non-commercial birds) Pro tip: Use data. Keep track of feed intake, weight gain, light hours, and egg size weekly. Actionable Tips to Encourage Bigger Eggs ✅ Use quality point-of-lay pullets that meet body weight targets. ✅ Transition to layer feed by 16 weeks. ✅ Ensure 24/7 access to clean, cool water. ✅ Use a stable lighting program. ✅ Avoid feeding during peak heat hours (11AM–4PM). ✅ Introduce midnight feeding (12AM–2AM) during hot seasons. ✅ Supplement calcium and vitamin D3 during early lay. Common Myths About Egg Size Myth: Large eggs mean your chickens are over performing. Truth: Oversized eggs in young hens can lead to reproductive issues or prolapse. Bigger isn’t always better—consistency matters more. Myth: Feeding more automatically increases egg size. Truth: Quality matters more than quantity. Excess feed without the right nutrients leads to fat hens, not bigger eggs. Conclusion: Size Comes with Strategy The journey from pullet eggs to profitable large eggs is a process—but with the right strategy, it's completely achievable. At Petros Farms, we’re proud to use ISA Browns chickens here in Nigeria under some of the toughest climate conditions—yet we consistently deliver premium-sized eggs thanks to data-driven strategies.You can do the same. Still wondering if your birds are on track? Drop your flock’s age and average egg size in the comments or reach out for a personalized consultation. Let’s help you move from small eggs to big results. #EggSizeMatters #bigegg #LayerManagement #PoultryFarmingInAfrica #PetrosFarms #isabrown BrownEggs #antibiotic-free eggs https://petrosfarms.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @petrosfarms