Ready-to-Lay pullets, also called started pullets, are an economical way for pastured poultry producers and family egg flocks replace their laying hen flock. By buying started pullets, you typically pay less for each bird than it would cost you to produce it, and you eliminate up to 17 weeks of risk from disease, depredations, and management.

When I hold pullet days through Badger’s Millside Farm, I find myself answering many questions about bringing pullets into lay and acclimating them to the farm. This episode was inspired by my last ready-to-lay pullet day.

Here’s what I cover in the episode with timestamps [mm:ss]:

• [01:59] How to transport ready-to-lay pullets.
• [05:22] The Fighting Farmer podcast talks about crating and transporting broilers.
• [05:41] Mixing ready-to-lay pullets with older hens.
• [06:15] Practice all-in all-on flock rotations with new started pullets.
• [11:11] Each type of bird has a management guide available from breeder.
• [12:34] Should you provide supplemental light and if so, how?
• [14:44] Don’t stimulate your pullet with light if she doesn’t weigh enough.
• [15:31] Supplemental light schedule for pullets.
• [16:51] how to acclimate the flock too food and water.
• [22:26] How much should started pullets weigh?
• [24:45] Phased feeding overview for layer rations.
• [26:10] What lay rate should I expect?
• [28:28] Molting hens into a second lay cycle.
• [30:32] An overview of the ready-to lay-pullet on-boarding plan.

Recommended listen

Buying Ready-to-Lay Pullets and Understanding the Competitive Advantages and Opportunities for Pastured Egg Flocks