What It Really Takes to Get Eggs: The Role of Lighting in Poultry Production

Getting consistent egg production is not just about quality feed and healthy birds; lighting plays a critical role, especially during the pullet stage (8 to 20 weeks of age). Many farmers focus solely on nutrition, yet overlook how light duration and intensity influence sexual maturity and the onset of laying. Understanding and managing light properly can make all the difference between an average flock and a high-performing one.

🌞 Why Lighting Matters

Chickens are highly sensitive to day length (photoperiod). Their reproductive systems respond to changes in light exposure, which in turn affects when they start laying eggs and how consistently they produce. The goal of a lighting program is to control the timing of sexual maturity and ensure that hens begin laying when they are physically ready, not too early or too late.

💡 The “Step Up, Step Down, Step Up” Lighting Program

This proven lighting strategy helps guide your birds smoothly from chicks to productive layers:

1. Brooding Stage (0–4 weeks):
   Provide 24-hour lighting for day-old chicks during their first month. This ensures they adapt well to the new environment, find feed and water easily, and grow uniformly.

2. Grower Stage (8–18 weeks):
   Gradually reduce lighting to about 8 hours per day, allowing 16 hours of darkness. This “step down” phase prevents early sexual maturity and supports steady body growth before laying begins.

3. Pre-Lay to Lay Stage (18–22 weeks):
   At around 18 weeks, begin increasing the light period weekly (“step up”) until it reaches 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness by the time the flock is at 5% lay (usually around 20–22 weeks). This signals to the birds that it’s time to start egg production.

🔆 Choosing the Right Type of Light

Avoid using fluorescent lights, as they produce uneven illumination and may cause stress among birds. Instead, install multiple low-power incandescent bulbs, which provide a softer, more uniform light and can be easily dimmed to adjust intensity.

🐔 Key Takeaways

• Good feeding alone is not enough; light management is essential for optimal egg production.

• Follow a structured lighting schedule to synchronize growth and maturity.

• Maintain even light distribution in the poultry house for healthy and uniform behavior.

When managed correctly, lighting helps your flock reach peak productivity, ensures consistent egg size and quality, and maximizes profitability.