Experiments were conducted to evaluate the influences of initial body-weight at photostimulation, diet density or feeding level on nutrient utilization and reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens. Additionally, the first experiment used two strains of broiler breeder females to determine if performance was similar when fed the different diets. These fast and slow feathering hens utilized dietary nutrients in a similar manner with no differences in body composition; however, the slow feathering hens laid more eggs to 34 wk of age than the fast feathering hens. Females with greater body weight produced a greater number of eggs through 40 wk of age. Low-body weight hens experienced body gains but were delayed, inconsistent layers through 40 wk of age. Feeding high-density diets or slightly more of a medium-density diet did not encourage greater egg production.