layer
LAY-er
/ˈleɪər/
A female chicken kept primarily for the commercial production of eggs.
Refers specifically to mature female chickens during their productive egg-laying years, distinct from meat-producing birds.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old English verb 'lecgan', meaning to deposit or place down. Over time, the noun form 'layer' became specialized in farming to describe a hen that deposits eggs daily.
Word relationships
- laying hen: Laying hen is a more common, descriptive term, while layer is the standard agricultural noun.
- broiler: A broiler is raised for meat production, whereas a layer is kept for egg production.
Commonly confused with
- pullet: A pullet is a young female chicken that has not yet started laying eggs, whereas a layer is actively producing.
Word family
- lay (verb): To produce or deposit eggs.
Collocations
- commercial layer
- layer flock
- egg layer
- layer feed
Example sentences
- "If your primary goal is fresh eggs every morning, you should select a reliable layer breed like the Rhode Island Red." A guide to starting a backyard flock.
- "The nutritional requirements of a commercial layer change significantly as the bird reaches peak production." Commercial egg production manual.
Memory hook
A layer is a hen that lays eggs day after day. Layers lay eggs.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to male chickens (roosters) or young female chickens that have not yet begun laying eggs.
Fun facts
- A high-producing commercial layer can lay over 300 eggs per year, requiring a diet rich in calcium to rebuild her shell reserves.
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