While there are many facets to poultry farming, large or small, many of which cater to dietary needs and preferences. Two of the more common categories of poultry farming are broilers and layers. While we will get into the finer details, at a high level broilers are birds bred and raised for meat production (i.e. for eating), and layers are primarily raised for egg production.

Broilers

Purpose

Raised specifically for meat production, broilers are typically harvested at a young age, usually around 6-7 weeks, when they have reached their ideal weight. Broilers are known for their fast growth and high meat yield, making them the primary source of chicken meat for production. This is true of a commercial broiler operation or a smaller, backyard operation.

Breed Selection

Broilers are usually crossbred for maximum meat production. The breeds are selected for traits like rapid growth, large breast size, and efficient feed conversion. Three of the best breeds for broilers are

1. Cornish Cross/Cornish X: The poster child of the broiler industry, this bird gains weight rapidly. Supermarkets and restaurants alike stock or serve this breed of chicken.
2. Jersey Giant: Renowned for being one of the largest & heaviest breeds, with males capable of reaching up to 13 pounds and emails often weighing up to 10 pounds. This breed was deliberately bred to produce hefty chickens for meat
3. Red Broiler/Red Ranger/Freedom Ranger: Known for their efficient growth, docile temperament, and exceptional foraging skills, making them ideal for raising chickens. They adapt well to a diverse range of environments and systems

Growth & Development

Broilers grow at an accelerated rate and gain weight rapidly. This growth is achieved through a combination of genetics and high-quality nutrition, making them ready for slaughter in a matter of weeks.

Diet & Nutrition

To maintain their rapid growth rates, broilers require a high-energy, high-protein diet. Their feed is carefully formulated to promote muscle development and weight gain

Housing & Management

Designed for maximum space efficiency during their relatively short lifespan, broilers are typically raised in a large commercial poultry house with controlled environments.

Economic Considerations

Broiler farming has a shorter production cycle, leading to more frequent income generation (if you are selling your broilers for profit, like in a commercial operation). The quick turnover also means you will need to invest in long-term housing and care.

Layers

Purpose

Raised specifically for their egg-laying production. They are chosen for their ability to lay a high number of eggs consistently over an extended period, typically spanning from 18 months to several years. The focus is on eggs, rather than meat.

Breed Selection

Raised specifically for their egg-laying capacity, layer breeds like White Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds are popular choices for egg production due to their prolific laying abilities.

1. Leghorn: The most commercially used breed, the leghorn is the best layer. They lay white eggs.
2. Rhode Island Red: Not only are they great layers, but the males are big enough to eat as meat birds. This is helpful if you incubate & hatch eggs, as you can raise the females as layers and the males as broilers.
3. Orpington: Also dual-purpose like the Rhode Island Reds, these chickens lay abundant amounts of brown eggs
4. Australorp: Excellent layers, they produce beautiful, light brown eggs