9 Simple Ways to Help Your Chickens Lay More Eggs
Raising chickens is a rewarding experience, especially when they provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. However, chickens need the right environment, nutrition, and care to stay healthy and productive. If you’ve noticed a drop in egg production or want to maximize the number of eggs your hens lay, follow these 9 tips to support your flock.
1. Provide Clean Water
Water is essential for your chickens' overall health and egg production. Like any living creature, hens need access to fresh, clean water at all times. While it may seem like chickens can drink from puddles or muddy water sources, this can expose them to harmful bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants that may cause illness.
Dehydration has a direct impact on egg production. If your hens don't get enough water, they will stop laying eggs, and it could take several days for them to recover. Always ensure they have access to clean water, and change it daily. In the winter months, make sure the water doesn’t freeze by using a heated waterer or by checking on it regularly.
Tip: Invest in a large, easy-to-clean waterer and position it in the shade during hot weather to keep the water cool and refreshing.
2. Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the most common reasons for hens to stop laying eggs. Chickens can be surprisingly sensitive, and even minor changes can disrupt their routine and cause stress. Loud noises, unfamiliar animals (like squirrels or stray cats), or even a change in feed can all cause anxiety in your flock. Stress reduces egg production and can affect the overall health of your chickens.
To keep your hens stress-free, maintain a consistent routine. Avoid making abrupt changes to their environment, such as moving their coop or changing their diet suddenly. If possible, provide a quiet, secure space where they can roam without fear of predators or loud disturbances. Keep their coop in a peaceful area of your yard, away from heavy traffic or loud machinery.
Tip: Consider playing soft music or using white noise to help drown out loud external noises and create a calm environment for your flock.
3. Give Them Enough Calcium
Calcium is a key nutrient for chickens, especially for laying hens. Without enough calcium, hens will lay soft-shelled or shell-less eggs, which are weak and prone to breaking. These soft eggs lack the proper structure and may not be suitable for consumption.
You can supplement your chickens' diet with calcium to ensure strong, healthy eggs. Crushed oyster shells are one of the best sources of calcium, and they can be added to your hens' feed or offered separately in a feeder. This will give them the ability to consume calcium when they need it most. Another good source of calcium is ground-up eggshells, but these must be sterilized first to avoid spreading bacteria.
Tip: Always ensure your hens have access to calcium year-round, as their needs increase during peak egg-laying periods.
4. Ensure Adequate Space
Chickens need space to roam and express natural behaviors, such as dust bathing, scratching, and foraging. Overcrowded conditions lead to stress, which can result in a variety of issues, including reduced egg production and aggressive behavior. Each chicken needs at least 4 square feet of space inside the coop and 8 square feet in the run to ensure they remain comfortable.
When chickens are cramped, they are more likely to engage in negative behaviors like feather pecking, egg eating, and bullying. These behaviors not only affect the well-being of the flock but also reduce productivity. Additionally, overcrowding can lead to a buildup of waste, which increases the risk of disease.
Tip: If your coop or run is too small, consider expanding the space or reducing the number of chickens. Portable chicken tractors or rotational grazing systems can help provide more space.
5. Control Parasites and Bugs
Parasites are a common problem in chickens, and if left untreated, they can lead to health issues that reduce egg production. External parasites like mites and lice cause itching, irritation, and feather damage. Mites feed on your chickens' blood at night, which can lead to anemia and even death in severe cases. Lice, while not fatal, can cause discomfort and interfere with feather growth.
Internal parasites like worms can also be problematic. Worms interfere with nutrient absorption, making it difficult for chickens to get the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Parasite infestations often lead to weight loss, fatigue, and a drop in egg production.
Tip: Conduct regular health checks for your chickens. Clean the coop frequently and use diatomaceous earth or other natural powders to prevent infestations. Also, consider worming your flock every few months.
6. Keep the Coop Clean
Cleanliness is crucial for preventing disease and keeping your chickens productive. A dirty coop is a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, and respiratory infections, all of which can negatively impact egg production. Chickens are naturally curious and may peck at dirty bedding or contaminated food, which can lead to illness.
To maintain a healthy environment, clean the coop regularly by removing soiled bedding, washing waterers and feeders, and disinfecting surfaces. Fresh, dry bedding is important to keep the coop dry and reduce the risk of respiratory problems. Deep cleaning the coop once a month is recommended to remove any lingering bacteria or pests.
Tip: Use a natural disinfectant, such as vinegar or baking soda, to clean the coop without exposing your chickens to harmful chemicals.
7. Support During Molting
Molting is a natural process where chickens lose their old feathers and grow new ones. While this is an essential part of their life cycle, it is a stressful time for hens, and they will temporarily stop laying eggs. Molting usually occurs once a year, typically in the fall, and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
During molting, chickens need extra support. Feathers are made of protein, so providing a high-protein feed (20-22%) helps your hens grow new feathers more quickly. You can also give them nutritional supplements to ensure they get enough vitamins and minerals. However, avoid handling your chickens too much during this time, as their new feathers are very sensitive.
Tip: Offer high-protein treats like mealworms or cooked eggs to give your hens an extra boost during molting.
8. Feed Them Quality Food
Feeding your chickens a high-quality diet is key to egg production. While it may be tempting to cut costs by buying cheaper feed or supplementing with too much corn or scratch, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies and reduced egg-laying. Chickens need a balanced diet with the right levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals to produce eggs regularly.
For chicks and growing pullets, feed should contain at least 20% protein to support their development. Once they reach the laying stage, switch to a complete layer feed with 16% protein to maintain steady egg production. Avoid giving them too many treats or low-nutrient foods, as this can disrupt their diet.
Tip: Check the labels on chicken feed to ensure it contains all the necessary nutrients. Fresh, high-quality feed will result in healthier chickens and more eggs.
9. Choose the Right Breed
The breed of chicken you choose will greatly impact how many eggs they lay. Some breeds are known for their high egg production, while others are better suited for meat or ornamental purposes. If your primary goal is to collect lots of eggs, opt for breeds that are prolific layers.
Breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Australorps can lay over 250 eggs per year, which averages to around five eggs per week. These hardy, productive breeds are a great choice for backyard chicken keepers who want a steady supply of eggs. On the other hand, ornamental breeds or dual-purpose breeds may lay fewer eggs, so choose accordingly based on your goals.
Tip: Research different chicken breeds before starting your flock to make sure you pick the best breed for egg production.
By implementing these simple practices, you can help your chickens stay healthy, reduce stress, and improve their egg production. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chicken keeper, providing the right care and nutrition can make all the difference in keeping your hens laying consistently year-round.