At Kreamer Feed, we’ve worked alongside poultry producers since 1947, supporting everything from backyard flocks to large-scale commercial farms. One of the most important decisions a grower can make is choosing the type of poultry to raise. While both broilers and layers play vital roles in agriculture, they require very different management, housing, and nutrition strategies.

If you're new to poultry farming or considering a shift in your operation, understanding the differences between these two production types will help you choose the path that best fits your goals, resources, and market opportunities.

What’s the Difference?

The basic distinction is this: broilers are raised for meat, while layers are raised for egg production. But that difference goes much deeper.

• Broilers are typically raised for a short period (6 to 8 weeks) and require high-energy, protein-rich diets to support rapid growth.
  
  

• Layers are kept much longer (often 72 weeks or more) and require carefully balanced diets that support reproductive health, calcium for eggshells, and overall metabolic endurance.

Pros and Cons of Raising Broilers

Pros

• Short production cycle means quicker returns and more frequent income opportunities.
  
  

• Lower investment in long-term care, since birds are raised for a short time.
  
  

• Less space per bird, since broilers don’t require perching or nesting areas.
  
  

• High demand in both local and commercial meat markets.
  
  

Cons

• Requires precise poultry diet formulation to avoid health issues related to fast growth.
  
  

• More susceptible to heat stress and leg problems if not managed carefully.
  
  

• Income is dependent on processing, which may require coordination with processors or access to a certified facility.

Pros and Cons of Raising Layers

Pros

• Continuous income from egg sales over a longer period.
  
  

• Strong demand for fresh, local eggs in many communities.
  
  

• Layers can be an easier entry point for small-scale or backyard producers.
  
  

• Egg production can support niche markets like organic, cage-free, or specialty eggs.
  
  

Cons

• Longer commitment before birds reach peak production.
  
  

• Higher feed and housing costs over time due to the extended production cycle.
  
  

• Requires nesting boxes, perches, and more labor-intensive daily management.
  
  

• Birds are more sensitive to stress and environmental changes, which can affect egg laying.

Housing and Equipment Considerations

One of the biggest challenges in switching from broilers to layers or vice versa is that the housing and equipment needs are very different. Broilers need open floor space, good ventilation, and accessible feeders and drinkers. Layers require additional infrastructure, such as nest boxes, roosting areas, and lighting systems to regulate laying cycles.

Retrofitting a facility to switch from one type of bird to the other can involve significant cost, downtime, and management changes. This is why most producers specialize in either meat or egg production, not both.

Nutrition Differences

The feeding programs for broilers and layers differ just as much as their housing. Broilers need high-protein, high-energy feed to convert nutrients efficiently into muscle. Layers require diets with lower energy, balanced protein, and high calcium to support eggshell formation.

At Kreamer Feed, we provide breed-specific feed formulations designed for each life stage of both broilers and layers. From starter to grower to finisher or layer rations, we ensure that every bag supports your birds’ health, productivity, and performance.

Which Operation is Right for You?

Choosing between broilers and layers depends on several factors:

• Your available space and infrastructure
  
  

• Your market access for eggs or meat
  
  

• Your production goals (short-term returns vs. long-term output)
  
  

• Your ability to manage nutrition and daily care

If you are just starting out, egg production may offer a more gradual learning curve. If you're ready for a faster-paced operation with more frequent turnarounds, meat birds might be the better fit.

Ready to Raise the Right Flock? Let Kreamer Feed Help You Decide

At Kreamer Feed, we support poultry producers at every scale with dependable feed, expert advice, and a commitment to animal health. Whether you raise broilers or layers, we’ll help you make informed decisions and grow a flock that works for you.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to our team to learn more about your options and how the right nutrition can support success, no matter what you raise.