For poultry farmers and backyard chicken farmers alike, maximizing egg production is a hot topic because we all want to know how we can get the most out of our time and money spent in the coop.
There’s nothing worse than a coop full of free-loading hens clucking their day away as if you don’t need eggs!
While several factors can impact a hen’s laying production, implementing specific strategies can significantly enhance productivity. I’m here to let you in on the secrets we chicken farmers have kept to ourselves for years.
Provide a Nutrient-Rich Diet
What goes in the chicken must come out. The better the ingredients (food) the better the result. Proper nutrition is vital for optimal egg production. Hens rely on their diet for the nutrients that provide the building blocks for healthy egg formation and overall well-being. Poultry farmers prioritize a hen’s nutritional needs.
Protein for Chickens
Hens require protein to support the development of eggs. Primarily for the production of egg whites, which are composed of this macronutrient. According to the Alabama Extension website, a hen needs 16-18% protein in their diet to lay well.
If your commercial feed’s protein content is lower than 16%, you should supplement with soybean meal or fish meal to ensure they have an adequate amount.
Calcium for Chickens
In addition to protein, calcium is another crucial nutrient for egg-laying hens. Without sufficient calcium intake, hens may lay eggs with thin or brittle shells , leading to breakage and reduced hatchability. Having thin-shelled eggs in your fridge is a mess waiting to happen. It also makes it more difficult to break them cleanly when cooking and baking.
Your layers will need 3.6 to 4.2% calcium in their diet.
If the chicken feed available in your area doesn’t have enough calcium to encourage strong shells, consider providing a calcium supplement, such as oyster shell or ground limestone, in a separate feeder. Dividing the calcium allows hens to consume it as needed to meet their calcium requirements. That’s one thing about chickens, they are self regulators when it comes to food. When they’re full, they stop eating. When they’re hungry, that start to scratch and peck. They instinctually know what their body needs. However, you have to make sure they have all the right ingredients available for them to choose from.
Vitamins for Your Chickens
A well-formulated layer pellet or mash will typically contain a balanced mix of vitamins, such as:
- vitamin A
- vitamin D
- vitamin E
- vitamin K
- vitamin B-complex (including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12)
These nutrients are needed in various physiological processes, including hormone regulation, reproductive health, and immune function.
To meet the needs of egg-laying hens, it will also include minerals, such as:
- calcium
- phosphorus
- magnesium
- potassium
- sodium
- zinc
- iron
- copper
- manganese
- selenium
- and iodine
Ensuring hens receive adequate levels of vitamins and minerals through their diet contributes to optimal egg production and overall flock health.
A Chicken’s Balanced Diet
A balanced diet not only supports egg production but also helps maintain the overall health and vitality of the flock. Hens that receive proper nutrition are better equipped to withstand stressors, resist diseases, and maintain consistent laying patterns. Providing a high-quality layer feed formulated explicitly for egg-laying hens ensures they receive the necessary energy, nutrients, and vitamins for sustained egg production.
That said, a hen’s nutritional requirements can vary throughout her laying cycle. Regularly monitoring and adjusting the diet will help her put her best egg forward.
It’s also a way to manage your chicken budget. A high-quality lay pellet can cost $0.15 per day to feed one chicken. And according to thefrugalchicken.com, certified organic chicken food can cost $0.60 per day/per chicken.
When the colder months settle in around here, we change to a non-layer pellet which doesn’t cost as much. We don’t plan on getting as many eggs in the winter since chickens generally decrease production when it’s cold outside to conserve energy. We do, however, beef up their feed so they can put on some weight to help fend off Old Man Winter. This brings us into the spring with plump, happy chickens who are ready to get back to work.
Sufficient Water Supply
Water is a vital component of a hen’s diet and is crucial to egg production. Hens need access to clean and fresh water at all times. Dehydration can negatively impact their overall health and egg production.
It is important to regularly check water containers, clean them thoroughly, and provide an adequate water supply throughout the day.
Use nipple drinkers or waterers with a bowl and float system to prevent water contamination and spillage. Place waterers at a convenient height for hens to access easily. Putting a block of wood or a brick under them can help keep chickens from spoiling the water with droppings.
Appropriate Lighting Conditions
Here’s the real secret to keeping your hens laying all year long: lighting. Light exposure plays a significant and often overlooked role in regulating a hen’s laying cycle. Chickens are naturally influenced by the sun’s patterns, and when the sun goes down, they instinctively perceive it as a signal not to lay eggs.
Providing artificial lighting is an easy way to ensure a consistent egg-laying schedule, especially during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. The key is to mimic the ideal day length for hens, which is around 14-16 hours of daylight per day. You can effectively extend the photoperiod and encourage continuous egg production by using a carefully placed heat lamp or installing a specially designed poultry lighting system.
A hen’s laying program doesn’t differentiate between natural and artificial light. As long as the light exposure remains consistent, the hens will respond accordingly and continue laying eggs.
However, you should introduce artificial lighting gradually to achieve the desired duration and intensity giving the birds time to acclimate to the changes.
While increasing light exposure is a process and will help you see results, providing hens with adequate rest is equally important. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least eight hours of darkness each night. This gives the chickens time to rest and recharge, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and optimal egg-laying performance.
Comfortable Housing and Nesting Areas
Creating a comfortable and stress-free environment for your hens maximizes their laying production. When designing or selecting a coop, consider the space requirements of your flock.
Give a Hen Space
Providing ample space allows each hen to move freely, stretch their wings, and engage in natural behaviors. Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and, ultimately, a decrease in egg production.
Aim for at least 2-4 square feet of space per hen inside the coop, and provide adequate outdoor space for free-ranging if possible.
Give a Hen Some Air
In addition to sufficient space, proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good air quality and a healthy environment within the coop. Stagnant air can lead to the buildup of ammonia, moisture, and harmful gasses, which can negatively impact the respiratory health of your hens. Installing vents or windows promotes air circulation and helps regulate temperature and humidity levels.
Give a Hen Some Rest–er Nest
Providing appropriate nesting boxes encourages consistent egg-laying and ensures the well-being of your hens.
Nesting boxes should be clean, comfortable, and secluded to provide a sense of privacy for the hens. Ideally, they should be in a quiet, peaceful area away from high-traffic zones within the coop. Sufficient nesting boxes should be available to accommodate the size of your flock, with a general guideline of one nesting box for every 4-5 hens.
Choose a soft, absorbent, and easy-to-clean bedding material such as straw or wood shavings. Regularly clean and replace the bedding to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of bacteria or pests.
Hens naturally seek out secluded spaces for nesting, and providing a calm and secure area will encourage them to lay their eggs consistently.
Regular Cleaning and Sanitation
You’ll want to bathe your chickens weekly–kidding! Don’t do that. You will want to clean their coop regularly, though.
Maintaining a clean and hygienic coop is essential for healthy hens and increased laying production. Regular cleaning promotes the well-being of your flock and helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, pests, and unpleasant odors that can negatively impact their health and egg production. Here is a checklist to follow when cleaning your chicken coop:
Daily Cleaning
- Remove soiled bedding: Remove any wet or dirty bedding material from the coop, nesting boxes, and perches daily. This helps maintain a clean and dry environment for your hens.
- Clear droppings: Scoop up any droppings and dispose of them. Regularly removing droppings minimizes the risk of disease transmission and keeps the coop cleaner.
Bedding Replacement
- Replace bedding material: As needed, replace the bedding material in the coop and nesting boxes. Clean, fresh bedding promotes cleanliness and reduces odors. Add a layer of straw, wood shavings, or other suitable bedding material for the comfort of your hens.
Periodic Deep Cleaning:
- Empty and sanitize the coop: Every few months or as needed, empty the coop entirely. Remove all bedding, nest material, and other items from the coop. This allows for a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the surfaces.
- Scrub and disinfect: Use a mild disinfectant solution, such as a diluted bleach solution, to clean all surfaces inside the coop. Pay special attention to the nesting boxes, perches, and areas where droppings may accumulate. Scrub these areas thoroughly to remove any dirt, bacteria, or pests.
- Rinse and dry: After cleaning, rinse all surfaces with clean water to remove any residue from the disinfectant. Allow the coop to air dry completely before adding fresh bedding and returning the hens.
This can be done much faster if you have a power washer. Just be sure to prepare for backsplash. You won’t want to wear those pants anywhere but to the laundry room.
Nesting Boxes
- Clean nesting boxes regularly: Remove any soiled bedding from the nesting boxes and replace it with fresh, clean material. Check for any broken eggs and promptly remove them to prevent egg-eating behavior.
- Monitor for pests: Inspect the nesting boxes regularly for signs of pests such as mites or lice. If infestations are detected, take appropriate measures to treat the affected areas and protect your hens from these parasites.
Coop Maintenance
- Repair and seal any cracks or gaps: Regularly inspect the coop for cracks, gaps, or openings that can allow predators or pests to enter. Repair or fill these areas promptly to ensure the safety and security of your flock.
- Check ventilation: Ensure the coop’s ventilation systems, such as windows, vents, or fans, function properly. Clean or replace air filters if necessary to maintain good air quality and airflow within the coop.
Following this cleaning checklist, you can create a clean and healthy environment for your hens, reducing the risk of disease transmission and promoting optimal egg production.
Implement Proper Flock Management
Effective flock management practices are crucial for maximizing egg production and maintaining the overall health of your hens. Monitoring your flock closely and taking proactive measures can help promptly identify and address any potential issues.
Here are some practices to consider:
- Conduct Regular Health Checks: Regular health checks are needed to detect signs of illness or distress in your hens. Perform visual inspections to observe their behavior, feathers, eyes, and overall appearance. Look for abnormal symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, abnormal droppings, or respiratory issues. Consult a poultry veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment if you notice any concerns.
- Promptly Isolate Sick or Injured Birds: If you observe any signs of illness or injury, separate and isolate the affected bird(s) from the rest of the flock immediately. Isolation prevents the spread of contagious diseases and allows you to provide individualized care and treatment to the affected bird(s). Keep the isolated bird(s) in a clean and comfortable area and monitor their condition closely. Consult with a poultry veterinarian for appropriate medical treatment.
- Maintain the Hen-to-Rooster Ratio: The ratio of hens to roosters in your flock can impact egg production and flock dynamics. While roosters are not necessary for egg production, they play a role in fertilization if breeding is a goal. However, an excessive number of roosters can lead to stress and aggression among hens, which can lower egg production. A general guideline is to have one rooster for every 8-10 hens to maintain a balanced ratio and minimize issues.
- Monitor Egg Laying Patterns: Regularly monitoring egg production patterns can provide valuable insights into the health and productivity of your hens. Track the number of eggs laid daily, the size and quality of the eggs, and any variations or changes in laying patterns. Sudden drops or irregularities in egg production may indicate underlying health issues or stress factors that should be addressed.
- Stress Management: Minimizing stress within the flock is crucial for maintaining high egg production. Reduce stressors such as loud noises, sudden environmental changes, or overcrowding. To keep hens engaged and mentally stimulated, provide environmental enrichment, such as perches, dust baths, and toys.
Playing Chicken
Enrichment activities and opportunities for exercise play a significant role in enhancing a hen’s overall well-being and productivity. Hens are naturally active foragers, and providing them with access to outdoor areas where they can scratch, peck, and explore has numerous benefits. They encourage physical activity and allow hens to engage in their natural behaviors, resulting in healthier and happier birds.
The enriched diet from free-ranging and increased physical activity often improve egg quality, with eggs containing higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients.
However, if free-ranging is not feasible due to space constraints, predators, or local regulations, there are still ways to provide environmental enrichment within the coop itself. The goal is to create an environment that keeps the hens engaged and mentally stimulated.
Consider incorporating the following enrichment activities:
- Perches: Install perches at different heights within the coop, allowing hens to perch and roost. This gives them a sense of security and encourages natural behaviors such as jumping and hopping. Different-sized perches can cater to individual preferences and offer variety.
- Dust Baths: Provide a designated area within the coop or run for dust baths. Dust bathing is a natural behavior for hens and serves multiple purposes, including maintaining feather cleanliness, controlling pests, and providing a way to relax and socialize. Fill the dust bath area with fine sand or dusting material such as diatomaceous earth or wood ash.
- Hanging Vegetables: Hang leafy greens or other vegetables from strings or wires within the coop. This stimulates the hens’ natural pecking behavior and provides an engaging challenge. The hens will peck and pick at the hanging vegetables, enjoying both the physical activity and the nutritional benefits.
- Chicken Toys: Introduce toys specifically designed for chickens, such as treat-dispensing balls, puzzle feeders, or hanging mirrors. These toys offer mental stimulation and can keep hens occupied and entertained. They encourage problem-solving and provide a positive outlet for their natural curiosity.
Regularly rotate and introduce new forms of environmental enrichment to maintain the hens’ interest and prevent boredom. Monitor their interaction with the enrichments and adjust or replace them as needed.
Maintain Optimal Temperature
Extreme temperature fluctuations can significantly impact a hen’s laying production. Maintaining an optimal temperature within the coop will ensure their comfort, well-being, and productivity.
Hot Weather and Chickens
High temperatures can cause heat stress in hens, leading to reduced egg production and even mortality if not addressed promptly. Provide shade and cooling mechanisms within the coop and run area to prevent heat stress. Ensure that the coop is well-ventilated to allow for adequate airflow and circulation. Natural ventilation systems, such as windows or vents, can help regulate temperature and dissipate heat. Consider using artificial cooling methods such as misters, fans, or sprinkler systems. These mechanisms can help lower the ambient temperature, provide a cooling effect, and reduce heat stress on the hens.
Cold Weather and Chickens
In colder climate, proper insulation is crucial to prevent drafts and retain heat. You can use straw bales stacked around the coop. This helps to trap heat inside the coop and provide a more comfortable environment for the hens. Ensure that there are no gaps or cracks that can allow cold air to enter.
Consider using supplemental heat sources to warm the hens in extremely cold conditions. Heat lamps or radiant heaters can be installed to maintain a consistent temperature. Use caution when using heat sources to prevent fire hazards. Place the heat sources at a safe distance from any combustible materials and ensure they are secured properly.
Keep an Eye on that Temp
Use thermometers or digital temperature monitoring devices to track the temperature inside the coop.
The optimal temperature range for laying hens is generally between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 24 degrees Celsius).
The Secret is Out
We hope you’ve found one or two areas that you can improve on to help your hens lay consistently all year. Making small adjustments is easier than overhauling your hen-care program.
We wish you luck (or cluck!) if you need to improve in all these areas. You can do it! And your hens will thank you for improving their lives.
Each hen is unique, and it may take time to identify the specific factors that impact their productivity. Patience, consistency, and continuous monitoring are key to achieving higher laying rates and maintaining healthy, productive hens in your flock. With dedication and proper care, you can increase your hen’s laying production and enjoy a steady supply of fresh eggs from your poultry farming venture.