Egg-Laying Cycles and Seasons in Nigeria | What Every Farmer Should Know

If you’re raising layer chickens in Nigeria, you’ve probably noticed that egg production doesn’t stay the same all year round. Some months, your birds lay like machines. Other times, they slow down, and you’re left wondering what went wrong. The truth is, egg-laying cycles and seasons play a huge role in poultry farming success.

In this post, we’ll break down how egg-laying works, the typical laying seasons in Nigeria, and how you can manage your flock for better performance—rain or shine. Whether you’re a backyard farmer or managing a commercial poultry house, understanding these cycles will help you plan smarter and boost your egg yield consistently.

What Is an Egg-Laying Cycle?

An egg-laying cycle refers to the period in a hen’s life when she starts laying eggs and continues doing so in regular intervals. These cycles are influenced by a combination of biology, environment, nutrition, breed, and management.

Most layer hens begin laying eggs at 18–20 weeks old and can lay consistently for 12–14 months before taking a break or “molting.”

A typical egg-laying cycle has three main phases:

1. Pre-lay Phase (0–18 weeks)
   Pullets (young hens) grow and mature. No eggs yet, but good nutrition is critical.
2. Peak Laying Phase (18–35 weeks)
   Hens start laying regularly. Egg production can reach 90–95% in well-managed flocks.
3. Decline & Molting Phase (after 35–40 weeks)
   Production gradually drops. Hens may rest, molt, or be culled for new stock.

Average Egg Production Cycle for Layers in Nigeria

In Nigeria’s climate, with proper care and feeding, a commercial layer hen can produce:

• 250–300 eggs per year
• 5–6 eggs per week on average
• Peak production between 6–9 months of age

However, factors like the rainy season, extreme heat, poor feed quality, and disease outbreaks can disrupt these numbers.

Seasonal Influence on Egg-Laying in Nigeria

Nigeria has two major seasons—rainy season and dry season—and both significantly affect egg-laying patterns.

🌧️ Rainy Season (April to October)

Challenges:

• High humidity and damp litter
• Increased disease risk (especially coccidiosis, Newcastle, and fowl cholera)
• Lower feed intake due to cooler temperatures and wet conditions
• Poor egg shell quality due to nutrient dilution

Impact on Laying:

• Possible drop in egg production if coop is not well-ventilated or dry
• Birds may experience stress or infections if litter is not properly managed

Tips for Managing Layers in Rainy Season:

• Improve drainage and roofing to keep litter dry
• Add vitamins and anti-stress supplements to water
• Increase protein in the diet slightly to maintain production
• Ensure regular vaccination and health checks

☀️ Dry Season (November to March)

Challenges:

• Heat stress (especially in March and April)
• Reduced water intake if supplies are not monitored
• Dust and ammonia buildup in poorly ventilated poultry houses

Impact on Laying:

• Hens may reduce laying if exposed to excessive heat or dehydration
• Drop in feed intake during peak heat hours

Tips for Managing Layers in Dry Season:

• Provide cool, clean water multiple times a day
• Offer feed early morning and late evening to avoid hottest hours
• Improve ventilation and provide shade
• Add electrolytes and vitamins to water for stress relief

Importance of Light in Egg-Laying Cycles

Layers are highly sensitive to light. In nature, 12 to 14 hours of light daily is ideal to stimulate consistent laying. In Nigeria, daylight varies throughout the year, with longer days during the dry season and shorter ones during the rainy season.

🕯️ Natural vs Artificial Lighting

• During short daylight periods (especially June to September), production may dip.
• Artificial lighting (using energy-saving bulbs) in the early morning or late evening can help maintain a 14-hour light schedule.

✅ Tip: If you’re managing a commercial poultry house, consider installing timers for lights to keep egg-laying consistent year-round.

How Breed Affects Laying Patterns

Not all chickens lay the same way. Choosing the right breed affects how long, how often, and how many eggs your hens will produce per season.

Egg-Laying Timeline at a Glance

Here’s what a typical laying timeline looks like in Nigerian conditions:

Factors That Can Disrupt Egg-Laying in Nigeria

Even if you follow all the right steps, certain problems can still reduce laying performance:

• Heat stress from poor ventilation
• Water shortage during dry season
• Overcrowding in the coop
• Disease outbreaks due to poor vaccination
• Sudden change in feed brand or formula
• Inadequate calcium leading to poor eggshells
• Predator stress (e.g. rats, snakes, dogs)

✅ Always track changes in egg production weekly so you can catch problems early.

Boosting Egg Production During Off-Seasons

Want your layers to keep laying even during less favorable times? Here are practical tips:

1. Feed Quality Is King
   Use well-formulated layer mash with 16–18% protein and 3.5–4% calcium.
2. Use Light Management
   Maintain 14–16 hours of light with natural or artificial lighting.
3. Maintain Good Hygiene
   Keep the coop clean, dry, and disease-free.
4. Supplement During Stress
   Use multivitamins, anti-stress agents, and probiotics during seasonal changes.
5. Cull Non-Productive Birds
   After 72–80 weeks, some birds naturally slow down. Consider replacing them with new stock.

Conclusion

Egg-laying cycles in Nigeria are influenced by age, breed, feed, light exposure, and season. By understanding how these factors interact, you can better plan your poultry operations and maintain consistent egg supply throughout the year.

Whether you’re preparing for the rainy season or maximizing output in the dry season, success lies in monitoring your flock, adapting your management practices, and giving your hens the care they need to stay productive.