Pou 1-1 (4-09) 

Washington, D.C.

Chickens 

and Eggs

Released April 21, 2009, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture. For information on "Layers and Eggs" call Kim Linonis at (202) 690-8632, for "Chicks Hatched" call Sharyn 

Lavender at (202) 720-3244, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. 

March Egg Production Up 1 Percent

U.S. egg production totaled 7.72 billion during March 2009, up 1 percent from last year. Production 

included 6.63 billion table eggs, and 1.09 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.02 billion were broiler-type and 

75 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during March 2009 averaged 340 million, down 

slightly from last year. March egg production per 100 layers was 2,269 eggs, up 1 percent from 

March 2008. 

 

All layers in the U.S. on April 1, 2009 totaled 341 million, down slightly from last year. The 341 million 

layers consisted of 283 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.3 million layers producing 

broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.07 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on 

April 1, 2009, averaged 73.9 eggs per 100 layers, up 2 percent from April 1, 2008. 

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 1 Percent

Egg-type chicks hatched during March 2009 totaled 40.1 million, up 1 percent from March 2008. Eggs in 

incubators totaled 37.6 million on April 1, 2009, up slightly from a year ago. 

Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 

277 thousand during March 2009, up 13 percent from March 2008. 

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 6 Percent

Broiler-type chicks hatched during March 2009 totaled 783 million, down 6 percent from March 2008. Eggs 

in incubators totaled 625 million on April 1, 2009, down 7 percent from a year earlier. 

Leading breeders placed 6.68 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks 

during March 2009, down 6 percent from March 2008.
 

 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 i NASS, USDA 

Contents

Page 

U.S. Average Number of Layers on Hand and Egg Production....................................................................1 

U.S. Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, Forced Molt, and Pullets..............................................3 

Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State................................................................................................5 

Egg Production by Type and State................................................................................................................7 

Forced Molt ..................................................................................................................................................9 

U.S. Hatchery Production Summary ...........................................................................................................10 

Egg-Type Hatchery .....................................................................................................................................11 

Egg-Type Intended Placements ..................................................................................................................12 

Broiler-Type Hatchery ................................................................................................................................12 

Broiler-Type Intended Placements..............................................................................................................14 

Reliability of Chickens and Eggs Estimates................................................................................................15 

Regional Listing ..........................................................................................................................................16 

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates.............................................................................16 

Information Contacts...................................................................................................................................16 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 1 NASS, USDA 

All Layers: Average Number on Hand During the Month, 

United States, 2008-09 

Month 2008 2009 

1,000 Layers 1,000 Layers 

Dec 1

Jan 

Feb 2

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

346,225 

344,737 

343,299 

342,017 

340,838 

340,116 

338,664 

336,276 

335,265 

334,489 

334,937 

337,995 

340,302 

340,936 

340,614 

340,451 

1

 December preceding year. 

2

 Revised 2009 only. 

Eggs: Production During the Month by Type, 

United States, 2008-09 

Total Eggs 1

 Table Eggs Hatching Eggs Month 

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 

Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs 

Dec 2

Jan 

Feb 3

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

During Year 1

7,808 

7,646 

7,114 

7,675 

7,373 

7,564 

7,367 

7,599 

7,551 

7,339 

7,625 

7,490 

90,151 

7,768 

7,666 

6,892 

7,724 

6,666 

6,498 

6,034 

6,517 

6,256 

6,409 

6,262 

6,474 

6,436 

6,272 

6,538 

6,446 

76,811 

6,701 

6,591 

5,906 

6,632 

1,143 

1,149 

1,080 

1,159 

1,117 

1,155 

1,104 

1,125 

1,115 

1,067 

1,088 

1,044 

13,346 

1,068 

1,075 

985 

1,093 

1

 Totals may not add due to rounding. 

2

 December preceding year. 

3

 Revised 2009 only. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 2 NASS, USDA 

U.S. Average Number of Layers

During the Month

325

330

335

340

345

350

Dec 1/ Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Million Layers

2008 2009

1/ Previous Year

U.S. All Egg Production

During the Month

6,750

7,000

7,250

7,500

7,750

8,000

Dec 1/ Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Million Eggs

2008 2009

1/ Previous Year
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 3 NASS, USDA 

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, 

and Forced Molt, United States, February-March 2008-09 

Item Unit 2008 2009 1

2009 

as % of 

2008 

Layers During Feb 2

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Eggs per 100 Layers During Feb 

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Eggs Produced During Feb 2

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Layers on Mar 1 2

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Eggs per 100 Layers on Mar 1 

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Forced Molt Layers on Mar 1 

 Percent Being Molted 

 Percent with Molt Completed 

Layers Sold for Slaughter During Feb 

Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed, 

 Composted or Disappeared For Any 

 Reason During Feb 

Pullets on Mar 1 

Pullets Added During Feb 3

1,000 

Number 

Million 

1,000 

Number 

Percent 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

343,299 

282,213 

61,086 

58,205 

2,881 

2,072 

2,138 

1,768 

1,744 

2,256 

7,114 

6,034 

1,080 

1,015 

65 

342,666 

281,673 

60,993 

58,110 

2,883 

72.2 

74.6 

61.4 

60.7 

76.7 

2.4 

22.1 

13,596 

7,364 

102,370 

19,508 

340,614 

283,216 

57,398 

54,341 

3,057 

2,023 

2,085 

1,716 

1,687 

2,224 

6,892 

5,906 

985 

917 

68 

340,260 

282,930 

57,330 

54,256 

3,074 

72.4 

74.5 

61.7 

60.8 

79.1 

3.4 

21.4 

14,570 

7,252 

99,309 

20,602 

99 

100 

94 

93 

106 

98 

98 

97 

97 

99 

97 

98 

91 

90 

105 

99 

100 

94 

93 

107 

100 

100 

100 

100 

103 

142 

97 

107 

98 

97 

106 

1

 Revised. 

2

 Totals may not add due to rounding. 

3

 Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 4 NASS, USDA 

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, 

and Forced Molt, United States, March-April 2008-09 

Item Unit 2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

Layers During Mar 1

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Eggs per 100 Layers During Mar 

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Eggs Produced During Mar 1

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Layers on Apr 1 1

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Eggs per 100 Layers on Apr 1 

 All Layers 

 Table Egg Type 

 Hatching Egg Type 

 Broiler-Type Hatching 

 Egg-Type Hatching 

Forced Molt Layers on Apr 1 

 Percent Being Molted 

 Percent with Molt Completed 

Layers Sold for Slaughter During Mar 

Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed, 

 Composted or Disappeared For Any 

 Reason During Mar 

Pullets on Apr 1 

Pullets Added During Mar 2

1,000 

Number 

Million 

1,000 

Number 

Percent 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

1,000 

342,017 

281,182 

60,835 

57,942 

2,893 

2,244 

2,318 

1,905 

1,883 

2,351 

7,675 

6,517 

1,159 

1,091 

68 

341,320 

280,664 

60,656 

57,761 

2,895 

72.4 

74.8 

61.2 

60.4 

76.8 

2.8 

21.3 

14,147 

8,029 

102,657 

23,045 

340,451 

283,068 

57,383 

54,309 

3,074 

2,269 

2,343 

1,905 

1,874 

2,440 

7,724 

6,632 

1,093 

1,018 

75 

340,597 

283,181 

57,416 

54,346 

3,070 

73.9 

76.5 

61.1 

60.1 

77.5 

1.9 

21.7 

13,874 

7,501 

100,769 

23,796 

100 

101 

94 

94 

106 

101 

101 

100 

100 

104 

101 

102 

94 

93 

110 

100 

101 

95 

94 

106 

102 

102 

100 

100 

101 

68 

102 

98 

93 

98 

103 

1

 Totals may not add due to rounding. 

2

 Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 5 NASS, USDA 

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State 

and United States, During February 2008-09 

Table Egg Layers in 

Flocks 30,000 and Above All Layers Eggs per 100 for 

State All Layers 

2008 2009 1

 2008 2009 1 2008 2009 1

1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Number Number 

AL 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

FL 

GA 

HI 

IL 

IN 

IA 

ME 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

NE 

NY 

NC 

OH 

OR 

PA 

SC 

SD 

TX 

VA 

WA 

WI 

Oth Sts 2

US 

1,332 

3,796 

19,281 

3,362 

2,756 

10,402 

9,513 

330 

5,193 

23,751 

52,651 

4,172 

2,511 

8,970 

9,726 

1,634 

5,592 

9,904 

3,808 

4,830 

25,587 

2,431 

20,461 

3,443 

2,543 

14,092 

1,240 

5,355 

4,313 

15,042 

278,021 

1,415 

3,495 

19,465 

3,409 

2,678 

9,627 

9,360 

307 

5,021 

23,655 

52,855 

3,584 

2,064 

9,446 

9,677 

1,450 

5,875 

9,623 

3,885 

5,279 

26,856 

2,339 

21,500 

3,098 

2,447 

13,820 

1,342 

6,014 

4,256 

14,903 

278,745 

9,537 

14,000 

19,578 

3,905 

2,819 

10,876 

19,163 

353 

5,420 

24,474 

53,624 

4,240 

2,624 

9,134 

10,199 

6,376 

6,930 

9,954 

4,031 

12,717 

26,040 

2,570 

21,535 

4,696 

2,603 

18,834 

3,070 

5,424 

4,726 

23,847 

343,299 

9,332 

12,863 

19,770 

3,890 

2,741 

9,948 

18,214 

334 

5,235 

24,399 

53,796 

3,667 

2,188 

9,610 

10,176 

5,967 

7,176 

9,673 

4,103 

12,454 

27,300 

2,486 

22,648 

4,389 

2,487 

18,432 

2,942 

6,129 

4,836 

23,429 

340,614 

1,804 

1,779 

2,002 

2,254 

2,128 

2,161 

1,946 

1,728 

2,122 

2,112 

2,068 

2,123 

2,058 

2,233 

2,167 

1,882 

2,208 

2,230 

2,282 

1,942 

2,093 

2,451 

2,275 

1,895 

2,036 

2,103 

1,759 

2,212 

2,074 

2,042 

2,072 

1,725 

1,765 

2,023 

2,288 

2,080 

1,960 

1,905 

1,557 

2,006 

2,029 

2,050 

1,909 

1,920 

2,216 

2,113 

1,877 

2,132 

2,161 

2,218 

1,951 

2,018 

2,333 

2,181 

1,982 

2,211 

2,018 

1,801 

2,105 

2,068 

1,968 

2,023 

1

 Revised. 

2

 Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 6 NASS, USDA 

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State 

and United States, During March 2008-09 

Table Egg Layers in 

Flocks 30,000 and Above All Layers Eggs per 100 for 

State All Layers 

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 

1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Number Number 

AL 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

FL 

GA 

HI 

IL 

IN 

IA 

ME 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

NE 

NY 

NC 

OH 

OR 

PA 

SC 

SD 

TX 

VA 

WA 

WI 

Oth Sts 1

US 

1,289 

3,789 

19,595 

3,351 

2,770 

10,260 

9,452 

328 

5,089 

23,722 

52,416 

4,141 

2,425 

9,025 

9,643 

1,617 

5,804 

9,691 

3,784 

4,869 

25,479 

2,428 

20,378 

3,419 

2,526 

14,106 

1,227 

5,494 

4,121 

14,751 

276,989 

1,432 

3,519 

19,450 

3,404 

2,754 

9,628 

9,216 

310 

5,048 

23,507 

52,936 

3,450 

2,108 

9,666 

9,721 

1,484 

5,817 

9,697 

3,926 

5,304 

26,906 

2,290 

21,510 

2,979 

2,416 

13,777 

1,246 

6,007 

4,368 

14,721 

278,597 

9,495 

13,881 

19,889 

3,895 

2,838 

10,697 

19,043 

352 

5,316 

24,415 

53,390 

4,204 

2,555 

9,189 

10,108 

6,267 

7,093 

9,741 

4,007 

12,666 

25,930 

2,573 

21,466 

4,711 

2,586 

18,918 

3,104 

5,563 

4,546 

23,579 

342,017 

9,297 

12,789 

19,747 

3,854 

2,822 

9,989 

18,048 

337 

5,261 

24,315 

53,883 

3,531 

2,247 

9,830 

10,235 

6,042 

7,095 

9,747 

4,141 

12,504 

27,349 

2,433 

22,642 

4,276 

2,456 

18,323 

2,907 

6,122 

4,947 

23,282 

340,451 

1,927 

1,967 

2,192 

2,465 

2,326 

2,272 

2,101 

1,847 

2,333 

2,306 

2,236 

2,307 

2,192 

2,459 

2,285 

2,026 

2,354 

2,392 

2,446 

2,108 

2,352 

2,565 

2,436 

2,080 

2,204 

2,252 

1,997 

2,355 

2,200 

2,184 

2,244 

1,958 

1,986 

2,274 

2,543 

2,339 

2,222 

2,166 

1,751 

2,224 

2,311 

2,272 

2,181 

2,225 

2,411 

2,374 

2,085 

2,396 

2,360 

2,487 

2,127 

2,300 

2,630 

2,456 

2,198 

2,443 

2,265 

2,064 

2,369 

2,345 

2,199 

2,269 

1

 Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 7 NASS, USDA 

Egg Production: By Type, State, and United States, 

February 2008-09 

Total Production 1

 Table Eggs 2 Hatching Eggs 2

State 

2008 2009 3

 2008 2009 3 2008 2009 

Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs 

AL 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

FL 

GA 

HI 

IL 

IN 

IA 

ME 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

NE 

NY 

NC 

OH 

OR 

PA 

SC 

SD 

TX 

VA 

WA 

WI 

Oth Sts 4

US 1

172 

249 

392 

88 

60 

235 

373 

6.1 

115 

517 

1,109 

90 

54 

204 

221 

120 

153 

222 

92 

247 

545 

63 

490 

89 

53 

396 

54 

120 

98 

487 

7,114 

161 

227 

400 

89 

57 

195 

347 

5.2 

105 

495 

1,103 

70 

42 

213 

215 

112 

153 

209 

91 

243 

551 

58 

494 

87 

55 

372 

53 

129 

100 

461 

6,892 

29 

76 

226 

199 

6.1 

112 

505 

1,094 

53 

213 

36 

222 

113 

61 

472 

69 

53 

24 

352 

6,034 

28 

73 

190 

194 

5.2 

102 

483 

1,089 

41 

207 

33 

209 

123 

56 

475 

66 

55 

27 

337 

5,906 

143 

173 

9 

174 

0 

3 

12 

15 

1 

8 

84 

0 

134 

2 

18 

20 

0 

30 

135 

1,080 

133 

154 

5 

153 

0 

3 

12 

14 

1 

8 

79 

0 

120 

2 

19 

21 

0 

26 

124 

985 

1

 Totals may not add due to rounding. 

2

 Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in US totals. 3

 Revised. 

4

 Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 8 NASS, USDA 

Egg Production: By Type, State, and United States, 

March 2008-09 

Total Production 1

 Table Eggs 2 Hatching Eggs 2

State 

2008 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 

Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs 

AL 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

FL 

GA 

HI 

IL 

IN 

IA 

ME 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

NE 

NY 

NC 

OH 

OR 

PA 

SC 

SD 

TX 

VA 

WA 

WI 

Oth Sts 3

US 1

183 

273 

436 

96 

66 

243 

400 

6.5 

124 

563 

1,194 

97 

56 

226 

231 

127 

167 

233 

98 

267 

610 

66 

523 

98 

57 

426 

62 

131 

100 

515 

7,675 

182 

254 

449 

98 

66 

222 

391 

5.9 

117 

562 

1,224 

77 

50 

237 

243 

126 

170 

230 

103 

266 

629 

64 

556 

94 

60 

415 

60 

145 

116 

512 

7,724 

30 

88 

234 

216 

6.5 

120 

551 

1,177 

55 

223 

39 

233 

121 

64 

504 

76 

57 

28 

370 

6,517 

34 

84 

215 

222 

5.9 

114 

547 

1,208 

49 

234 

36 

230 

134 

62 

536 

72 

60 

31 

374 

6,632 

153 

185 

9 

184 

0 

4 

12 

17 

1 

8 

88 

0 

146 

2 

19 

22 

0 

34 

146 

1,159 

148 

170 

7 

169 

0 

3 

15 

16 

1 

9 

90 

0 

132 

2 

20 

22 

0 

29 

139 

1,093 

1

 Totals may not add due to rounding. 

2

 Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in US totals. 3

 Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 9 NASS, USDA 

Forced Molt: Percent of All Layers by Month, 

United States, 2008-09 

Percent Being Molted 1

 Percent with Molt Completed 1

Month 

2008 2009 2008 2009 

Percent Percent Percent Percent 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 3

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

3.0 

3.9 

2.4 

2.8 

4.1 

3.7 

3.4 

3.9 

3.9 

3.7 

2.1 

1.9 

3.2 

3.4 

3.4 

1.9 

22.7 

21.7 

22.1 

21.3 

20.8 

20.9 

20.8 

21.2 

20.8 

21.9 

22.7 

22.1 

21.2 

21.4 

21.4 

21.7 

1

 As of first of month. 

2

 Revised 2009 only. 

Forced Molt: Percent of All Layers by State 

and United States, April 1, 2008-09 

Percent Being Molted 1

 Percent with Molt Completed 1

State 

2008 2009 2008 2009 

Percent Percent Percent Percent 

AL 

AR 

CA 

CO 

CT 

FL 

GA 

HI 

IL 

IN 

IA 

ME 

MD 

MI 

MN 

MS 

MO 

NE 

NY 

NC 

OH 

OR 

PA 

SC 

SD 

TX 

VA 

WA 

WI 

Oth Sts 2

US 

0.5 

1.5 

3.0 

2.5 

0.0 

7.5 

1.5 

8.5 

4.0 

2.0 

4.5 

0.0 

3.5 

0.0 

3.0 

2.0 

0.0 

1.5 

1.0 

0.5 

1.5 

6.5 

2.5 

6.5 

5.0 

3.5 

6.0 

5.5 

2.0 

4.4 

2.8 

0.5 

0.0 

2.0 

0.0 

0.0 

2.5 

1.0 

10.5 

0.0 

2.5 

3.5 

0.0 

0.0 

1.5 

2.5 

1.0 

1.5 

1.5 

1.0 

0.0 

2.5 

4.5 

2.0 

1.0 

2.5 

2.0 

0.0 

5.0 

0.0 

2.0 

1.9 

5.0 

8.0 

32.0 

17.5 

11.0 

32.5 

12.0 

61.0 

25.0 

33.0 

32.5 

0.0 

16.5 

19.5 

28.5 

9.0 

18.0 

7.0 

6.0 

8.0 

15.0 

31.5 

11.5 

25.5 

18.0 

23.5 

22.5 

33.5 

40.0 

20.0 

21.3 

6.0 

11.0 

29.0 

19.0 

19.0 

34.0 

11.5 

52.0 

34.5 

37.5 

35.0 

0.0 

19.0 

20.0 

24.5 

9.5 

9.5 

1.0 

7.0 

11.5 

17.0 

34.0 

12.5 

17.0 

38.0 

18.5 

11.5 

33.5 

25.0 

19.8 

21.7 

1

 As of first of month. 

2

 Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 10 NASS, USDA 

Hatchery Production: Eggs in Incubators, Chicks Hatched, 

and Placements by Type, United States, March-April 2008-09 

Item 2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

1,000 1,000 Percent 

Egg-Type 

 Eggs in Incubators on Apr 1 

 Chicks Hatched During Mar 

 Chicks Hatched Jan thru Mar 

 Pullets Hatched During Mar for Intended 

 Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks 

 7-18 Months Earlier 1

Broiler-Type 

 Eggs in Incubators on Apr 1 

 Chicks Hatched During Mar 

 Chicks Hatched Jan thru Mar 

 Pullets Hatched During Mar for Intended 

 Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks 

 7-15 Months Earlier 2

37,624 

39,547 

117,263 

245 

2,865 

673,687 

832,899 

2,425,962 

7,090 

65,397 

37,629 

40,137 

115,081 

277 

2,990 

624,921 

783,348 

2,262,662 

6,678 

65,958 

100 

101 

98 

113 

104 

93 

94 

93 

94 

101 

1

 2009 includes pullet chicks hatched Sep 2007 through Aug 2008. 

2

 2009 includes pullet chicks hatched Dec 2007 through Aug 2008. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 11 NASS, USDA 

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators: By Region and United States, 

April 1, 2008-09 

Region 2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

1,000 1,000 Percent 

North Atlantic 

E North Central 

W North Central 

South Atlantic 

South Central 

West 

US 

4,792 

7,532 

9,237 

4,765 

5,373 

5,925 

37,624 

5,782 

7,782 

9,149 

3,949 

5,487 

5,480 

37,629 

121 

103 

99 

83 

102 

92 

100 

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched: By State and United States, 

March 2008-09 

During March Jan-Mar 

State 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

1,000 1,000 Percent 1,000 1,000 Percent 

GA 

IN 

IA 

MN 

PA 

Oth Sts 1

US 

2,342 

5,174 

7,520 

933 

4,698 

18,880 

39,547 

2,371 

5,681 

7,813 

1,137 

5,042 

18,093 

40,137 

101 

110 

104 

122 

107 

96 

101 

6,874 

16,189 

22,005 

2,402 

15,019 

54,774 

117,263 

6,652 

16,275 

21,827 

3,406 

14,755 

52,166 

115,081 

97 

101 

99 

142 

98 

95 

98 

1

 Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations. 

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched: By Month, United States, 2008-09 

By Months Cumulative 

Month 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

1,000 1,000 Percent 1,000 1,000 Percent 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

40,167 

37,549 

39,547 

41,051 

42,724 

42,538 

37,929 

36,301 

36,428 

39,998 

36,607 

36,393 

38,083 

36,861 

40,137 

95 

98 

101 

40,167 

77,716 

117,263 

158,314 

201,038 

243,576 

281,505 

317,806 

354,234 

394,232 

430,839 

467,232 

38,083 

74,944 

115,081 

95 

96 

98 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 12 NASS, USDA 

Intended Placements: Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply 

Flocks by Month and Total, United States, 2008-09 

Pullet Chicks Hatched 

Cumulative Potential Plcmts 

Relative to Current Supply 

Flocks 7-18 Months Earlier Month 1

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

2008 2009 

1,000 1,000 Percent 1,000 1,000 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Total 

210 

280 

245 

264 

227 

231 

244 

279 

210 

273 

317 

199 

2,979 

240 

256 

277 

114 

91 

113 

3,007 

2,871 

2,865 

2,905 

2,867 

2,942 

2,982 

2,927 

3,042 

2,971 

2,961 

2,997 

2,928 

2,989 

2,990 

2,900 

2,989 

3,025 

2,979 

3,009 

2,985 

3,017 

1

 For March 2009, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Sep 2007 through Aug 2008. The 7-18 months represent the first laying 

cycle. Molting and additional laying cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements. 

Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators: By Region 

and United States, April 1, 2008-09 

Region 2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

1,000 1,000 Percent 

North Atlantic 

E North Central 

W North Central 

South Atlantic 

South Central 

West 

US 

12,991 

12,094 

29,348 

250,185 

343,441 

25,628 

673,687 

11,538 

12,330 

27,860 

231,993 

316,829 

24,371 

624,921 

89 

102 

95 

93 

92 

95 

93 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 13 NASS, USDA 

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched: By State 

and United States, March 2008-09 

During March Jan-Mar 

State 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

1,000 1,000 Percent 1,000 1,000 Percent 

AL 

AR 

DE 

FL 

GA 

KY 

LA 

MD 

MS 

NC 

OK 

PA 

SC 

TX 

VA 

CA, MO, TN, & WV 

19 Sts 1

Oth Sts 2

US 

117,903 

104,873 

14,451 

5,215 

127,686 

28,439 

14,648 

33,458 

71,018 

73,340 

23,807 

15,110 

20,254 

59,560 

23,560 

74,542 

807,864 

25,035 

832,899 

110,186 

91,131 

12,933 

3,650 

119,397 

27,913 

11,570 

33,034 

67,563 

69,611 

25,050 

14,546 

19,998 

58,623 

22,300 

72,236 

759,741 

23,607 

783,348 

93 

87 

89 

70 

94 

98 

79 

99 

95 

95 

105 

96 

99 

98 

95 

97 

94 

94 

94 

345,516 

305,188 

43,179 

15,002 

373,970 

82,441 

42,170 

97,695 

206,485 

213,767 

69,753 

44,871 

58,821 

169,903 

67,762 

214,140 

2,350,663 

75,299 

2,425,962 

316,866 

264,440 

36,660 

10,919 

349,116 

80,406 

36,369 

93,777 

191,302 

202,253 

71,450 

41,712 

58,370 

167,167 

63,205 

207,528 

2,191,540 

71,122 

2,262,662 

92 

87 

85 

73 

93 

98 

86 

96 

93 

95 

102 

93 

99 

98 

93 

97 

93 

94 

93 

1

 States in the weekly hatchery production estimating program. 2

 Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations. 

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched: By Month, United States, 2008-09 

By Months Cumulative 

Month 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

1,000 1,000 Percent 1,000 1,000 Percent 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

821,866 

771,197 

832,899 

797,481 

823,718 

806,202 

806,555 

799,625 

756,565 

742,121 

705,587 

779,160 

778,401 

700,913 

783,348 

95 

91 

94 

821,866 

1,593,063 

2,425,962 

3,223,443 

4,047,161 

4,853,363 

5,659,918 

6,459,543 

7,216,108 

7,958,229 

8,663,816 

9,442,976 

778,401 

1,479,314 

2,262,662 

95 

93 

93 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 14 NASS, USDA 

Intended Placements: Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery 

Supply Flocks by Month and Total, 2008-09 

Pullet Chicks Hatched 

Cumulative Potential Plcmts 

Relative to Current Supply 

Flocks 7-15 Months Earlier Month 1

2008 2009 

2009 

as % of 

2008 

2008 2009 

1,000 1,000 Percent 1,000 1,000 

US 

 Place- 

 ments 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Annual 

 Total 

Total 

 Place- 

 ments 2

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Annual 

 Total 

7,012 

7,536 

7,090 

6,867 

8,217 

7,527 

6,764 

7,697 

6,886 

6,839 

7,026 

6,580 

86,041 

8,706 

9,498 

9,245 

8,676 

10,089 

9,339 

8,319 

9,603 

8,651 

8,350 

8,704 

8,197 

107,377 

7,142 

7,215 

6,678 

8,410 

8,524 

8,461 

102 

96 

94 

97 

90 

92 

65,333 

65,223 

65,397 

65,567 

65,522 

66,057 

66,170 

66,490 

65,943 

65,234 

65,467 

65,892 

66,073 

65,867 

65,958 

65,596 

65,423 

64,913 

64,403 

64,678 

63,676 

62,827 

1

 For Mar 2009, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Dec 2007 through Aug 2008. 2

 U.S. production of intended placements worldwide. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 15 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of Chickens and Eggs Estimates

Survey Procedures: Primary data for the "Chickens and Eggs" report are from weekly and/or monthly 

questionnaires sent to producers. An attempt is made to collect information for layer and egg estimates from 

each known contractor and independent producer who has at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of hatchery 

supply layers, or pullet only operations with at least 500 pullets. Coverage for operations with less than 

30,000 table egg layers are estimated each month based on data reported in December. Approximately 650 

contractors, independent egg producers, and pullet only operations are contacted each month. All known 

hatcheries, approximately 300, are contacted for information on a weekly and/or monthly basis. 

Estimating Procedures: Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive estimates from the reported 

data. All data are analyzed for unusual values. Data from each operation are compared to their own past 

operating profile and to trends from similar operations. Data for missing operations are estimated based on 

similar operations or historical data. NASS field offices prepare these estimates by using a combination of 

survey indications and historic trends. Individual State estimates are reviewed by the Agricultural Statistics 

Board for reasonableness. Individual hatchery data are summed to State, regional, and U.S. totals. 

For chicken hatcheries, chicks hatched consist of all chicks of domesticated breeds including males and 

chicks destined for hatchery supply flocks and research purposes. Eggs set are eggs in incubators for the 

purpose of hatching. The relationship of egg-type chicks hatched to chicken inventory and poultry 

marketings are carefully monitored. The disposition of egg-type chicks hatched prior to placement into the 

laying flock can vary significantly, which can make comparisons to changes in layer inventory inconsistent 

over time. Broiler chicks placed are specifically placed on feed for meat production. Intended placement 

data reported by leading breeders include pullet chicks expected from eggs sold the preceding month. The 

breeders in this report account for a large percentage of replacement pullets for hatchery supply flocks. 

Production of replacement pullets by these breeders indicates the number of pullets available to hatchery 

supply layer flocks several months before the pullets will actually move into the laying flocks. AHatchery 

Supply Flocks@ include all generations of layers which could lay eggs to supply a hatchery. This includes 

the generations of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, pedigree, etc. Also included are research 

flocks, vaccine flocks, and specific pathogen-free flocks. The broiler cumulative potential placements are a 

moving total of the intended placements 7-15 months earlier. The egg-type cumulative potential placements 

of 7-18 months earlier represent the first laying cycle. Molting and additional laying cycles will increase the 

cumulative potential placements of egg-type hatching flocks. 

Revision Policy: The previous month's estimates are subject to revision if late reports or corrected data 

indicates a different level. Additionally, revisions after the monthly report will be made at the end of the 

marketing year and published in the annual reports of "Chickens and Eggs Summary" and "Hatchery 

Production". 

Reliability: Estimates are based on a census of all known contractors and independent producers who have 

at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of hatchery supply layers, pullet only operations with at least 500 

pullets, or operating hatcheries and therefore, have no sampling error. However, estimates are subject to 

errors such as omission, duplication, and mistakes in reporting, recording, and processing the data. While 

these errors cannot be measured directly, they are minimized through strict quality controls in the data 

collection process and a careful review of all reported data for consistency and reasonableness. 

To assist in evaluating the reliability of the estimates in this report, the ARoot Mean Square Error@ is shown 

for selected items in the following table. The ARoot Mean Square Error@ is a statistical measure based on 

past performance and is computed using the differences between first and final estimates. The ARoot Mean 

Square Error@ for all layers over the past 24 months is 1.0 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3 

that the final estimate will not be above or below the current estimate of 340 million layers by more than 

1.0 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not exceed 1.8 percent. 
 

Chickens and Eggs Agricultural Statistics Board 

April 2009 16 NASS, USDA 

Reliability of Layer and Egg Estimates 

Difference Between Number of Months 

First and Latest 

Estimates Item 

Root 

Mean 

Square 

Error 

90 Percent 

Confidence 

Level 

Average Smallest Largest 

First 

Above 

Latest 

First 

Below 

Latest 

Percent Percent 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Number Number 

All Layers 1.0 1.8 61 1,541 10 3,947 9 15 

 Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs Million Eggs 

Eggs 0.6 1.1 1 34 0 86 9 14 

Regional Listing

North Atlantic: CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT. 

East North Central: IL, IN, MI, OH, WI. 

West North Central: IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD. 

South Atlantic: DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV. 

South Central: AL, AR, KY, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX. 

West: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY. 

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates 

All Layers includes both table egg and hatching egg flocks regardless of size. 

Intended Placements are reported by leading breeders. Coverage may not be 100 percent. Includes 

expected pullet chicks from eggs sold during the preceding month at the rate of 125 pullet chicks per case of 

30 dozen eggs. 

Information Contacts 

Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Livestock Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics 

Service to contact for additional information. 

Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch .................................................................................(202) 720-3570 

Bruce Boess, Head, Poultry and Specialty Commodities Section..........................................(202) 720-4447 

 David Colwell - Cold Storage ...........................................................................................(202) 720-8784 

 Fleming Gibson - Poultry Slaughter, Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised..........................(202) 690-3237 

 Sharyn Lavender - Broiler Hatchery, Chicken Hatchery, Honey......................................(202) 720-3244 

 Kim Linonis - Layers, Eggs ..............................................................................................(202) 690-8632 

 Bruce Boess - Catfish Processing, Catfish Production, Trout Production, 

 Census of Aquaculture, Egg Products, Mink .........................................(202) 720-4447 
 

 

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