This translates into an average farm size of about 10,743 hens. Broiler breeders are usually kept for a period of 60 weeks. Average production is usually 140 - 160 eggs, or 110 to 120 chicks per hen housed. These targets are constantly moving, as selection for a faster growing broiler constantly brings new challenges to the hatching egg producer. Hatching egg production is on a 66 week cycle.
Most operations have one pullet rearing facility which supplies two layer facilities.
The rearing facility is used for twenty weeks, while each laying facility is used for approximately 40 weeks. This allows for optimal use of building infrastructure. The growing barn set up is identical to that of broiler production, with the exception of the feeding system. It must be capable of handling a measured amount of feed and must ensure that this feed gets all the way around the barn as quickly as possible in order to maintain flock uniformity. The laying house design is unique.