When should pullets be transferred from rearing cages to laying quarters, and what is the maximum age to prevent point-of-lay stress?

The transfer of brown pullets from rearing cages or deep-litter rearing sheds to their permanent laying quarters is a highly stressful event involving catching, transport, and adaptation to new feeding and water systems. To minimize this trauma, the transfer must be completed between 15 and 16 weeks of age. This timing allows the pullets 2 to 3 weeks to recover, adapt to their new environment, and develop crucial medullary bone reserves before egg production begins. Transferring pullets past the maximum age of 17 weeks—when the reproductive tract is rapidly developing and ovaries are active—causes severe point-of-lay stress, leading to follicle regression, egg peritonitis, and a high incidence of floor laying. Handling guidelines are published in the Poultry Encyclopedia, specialized pullet transport crates and catch nets are sold on Poultry Plaza, replacement pullet rates are updated on Poultry Rates, and point-of-lay pullet flocks are listed on Murghi Mandi.