How to Get Chickens to Lay More Eggs
If you’ve got chickens, you know how exciting it is to head out to the coop and collect fresh eggs. But what happens when you start noticing fewer eggs than usual? That’s when you might find yourself wondering, how to get chickens to lay more eggs? The good news is, there are some simple adjustments you can make to give your hens a little boost.
The secret lies in understanding your flock’s needs. Raising chickens is pretty straightforward, if they are healthy and happy, they tend to thrive. A few tweaks to the coop, diet, and daily routine can make a big difference. With these changes, you’ll not only end up with a more abundant supply of eggs but also a healthier flock overall.
How Long Do Chickens Lay Eggs and What to Expect as They Age
Chickens usually lay eggs regularly for about two to three years, though this can depend a lot on the breed and the overall health of the hen. After those early years, egg production starts to slow down and becomes less predictable. Many hens will still lay occasionally for a couple more years before stopping completely.
The first year of laying is typically when hens are most productive. Many breeds can produce around 250 to 280 eggs during that time, which is pretty impressive when you think about it. But how long and how often your hens lay eggs can vary even in the same flock. For example, I’ve had some chickens consistently lay 5–6 eggs a week for over three years, while others started laying less much earlier.
It’s helpful to watch for changes in their laying patterns so you can give support to manage your flock accordingly. Providing proper care, good nutrition, and a stress-free environment can make a big difference in how long your hens remain productive.
Factors that Affect Egg Production
Some things can slow down egg production, and unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it—like molting. Molting is when chickens lose their old feathers and grow new ones, kind of like a wardrobe refresh. This usually happens in the fall when there’s less daylight, but it can also occur during other times if your flock is stressed or unwell.
During molting, hens temporarily stop laying eggs as their bodies put all their energy into growing those new feathers. It’s important to remember that this is normal, so don’t worry—it’s just part of the chicken life cycle. Why Chickens Stop Laying Eggs and what can you do to help?
How to Get Chickens to Lay More Eggs
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from raising chickens, it’s that happy chickens are healthier, and healthy chickens lay more eggs.
Focus on natural and supportive methods that promote your chicken’s overall well-being. From tweaks to their diet to better housing conditions, there are plenty of ways to create an egg-friendly environment.
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Focus on a Balanced Diet and Natural Healthcare
When it comes to egg production, nutrition is everything. What your hens eat plays a major role in their overall health and how many eggs they lay (and how good those eggs are). Here are some tips to keep your flock happy and productive:
#1. Protein-Rich Feed: Hens that are laying need at least 16% protein in their diets to keep up with the demands of egg production. Make sure you’re giving them high-quality layer feed packed with all the nutrients they need.
#2. Calcium for Strong Eggshells: Ever had eggs with thin or brittle shells? That’s likely a sign of low calcium. Adding crushed oyster shells or limestone grit to their diet can solve this problem. It’s like a calcium boost for stronger, healthier eggs.
You can also make a healthy scratch that includes all the things you need for better eggs, grab that recipe below!
#3. Herbs for a Health Kick: Natural herbs like oregano and garlic are amazing for chickens. Sprinkle some dried oregano into their feed or mix a little crushed garlic into their water to help boost their immune system. It’s simple but powerful!
#4. Keep Water Fresh: Clean, fresh water is a must for your flock. Without it, hens can become dehydrated, stressed, and way less productive when it comes to laying eggs.
#5. Watch Their Health: Make sure you’re also paying attention to their health. Watch for any signs of illness or pests, like mites or worms. Using natural remedies, such as diatomaceous earth, can help prevent these issues.
#6. Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Your hens will love leafy greens, fruits, and veggies, and they’re an easy way to mix things up while adding essential vitamins to their diet. Think kale, spinach, watermelon, and squash—treats they’ll cluck about!
Regular check-ups and proper care go a long way toward keeping your chickens in the best shape.
Make Their Housing More Egg Friendly
Housing plays a bigger role than just keeping your flock safe, the right environment can significantly impact their laying habits. A comfortable, well-thought-out setup can do wonders for helping your hens lay consistently. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
#1. Good Lighting: Hens need about 14-16 hours of daylight to stay on their laying schedule. Natural sunlight is ideal, but during those shorter winter days, you can add a soft light in the coop to keep things on track. Use a timer to prevent 24 hours of daylight as this can cause stress in the flock.
How to Keep Eggs From Freezing in the Winter so you can have more eggs even when it is frigid out.
#2. Fresh Air and Clean Surroundings: Good ventilation in your coop is non-negotiable. It helps prevent respiratory problems and keeps your flock healthier overall. And don’t skip on cleaning. Regularly swapping out bedding keeps harmful bacteria and odors at bay.
To keep your coop cleaner, try adding scrape boards under the roosts to catch overnight droppings. Simply remove and clean them each morning—this quick task can make a big difference in maintaining a fresh coop.
#3. Comfortable Nesting Boxes: Make sure your hens have the perfect spot to lay. Aim for one nesting box per 4-5 birds and keep it lined with soft straw or wood shavings. Place the boxes in a quiet area of the coop that is warm and dry.
Add herbs like lavender or rosemary to the nesting boxes. Not only do they have a calming effect on the hens, but they also act as natural insect repellents.
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#4. Room to Move: Whether it’s free-ranging in your yard or having a roomy run, hens need space to stretch their legs and scratch for bugs and worms. If free-ranging isn’t an option, make sure their run is big, secure, and packed with things to keep them busy.
You can also set up a Temporary Chicken Run that will give your flock access to fresh ground while still keeping them inside of a secure area.
Creating the right home for your hens doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about making sure they feel safe, comfy, and cared for.
Try Out-of-the-Box Ideas and Old Farmer’s Tips
Sometimes, the tried-and-true methods passed down by farmers can work wonders. Here are a few creative (and old-school) tips to help boost egg production:
#1. Apple Cider Vinegar in Water: A splash of apple cider vinegar to your chicken’s water. This can improve health and digestion, which will give you more eggs.
#2. Give Them a Break: Older hens or those going through molting need rest periods. Don’t push them too hard—healthy recovery leads to stronger, more consistent laying later.
#3. Hang a Cabbage for Fun and Fitness: Tying a cabbage in the coop or run gives them entertainment and a healthy snack, relieving boredom that might lower egg production.
#4. Conversations and Calm: It might sound strange, but talking softly to your chickens while feeding or cleaning can help them feel more secure. Stress-free hens lay better eggs.
#5. Sprinkle Grit Naturally: Scatter grit around their favorite scratching areas. These small bits of stone help chickens digest their food properly, improving overall health and laying efficiency.
#6. Fake It with Ceramic Eggs: Place a ceramic egg or golf ball in the nesting boxes. This can encourage your hens to lay in the right spot and stimulate others to start laying.
By combining a nutritious diet, a healthy, stress-free home, and a few tried-and-true tricks, you’re setting your flock up for success.
Egg egLaying Boost Scratch Recipe
Give your hens a wholesome treat that supports better egg production and stronger shells. This scratch mix is easy to make at home, uses natural ingredients, and is packed with the nutrients they need for productive laying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cracked corn (provides energy and makes it tasty for your hens)
- 1 cup wheat berries (a great source of protein and fiber)
- 1 cup black oil sunflower seeds (rich in healthy fats and protein for strong eggs and glossy feathers)
- ½ cup rolled oats (adds extra vitamins and minerals)
- ½ cup crushed oyster shells (a crucial source of calcium for sturdy eggshells)
- ¼ cup flaxseed (high in omega-3 fatty acids to support overall health and egg quality)
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano (natural immune system booster)
Optional Additions:
- A handful of dried mealworms for added protein.
- A sprinkle of kelp powder for a boost of trace minerals.
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl or container. Adjust quantities based on the size of your flock.
- Serve the scratch in small amounts daily, no more than a cup per 5-6 chickens. It’s a treat, not a replacement for their regular balanced feed!
- Scatter the mix in their run to encourage natural foraging behavior, which keeps them active and engaged.
- Always provide fresh water alongside treats and ensure hens have access to their regular layer feed to meet their full nutritional needs.
This scratch mix isn’t just delicious—it’s designed to support your hens’ health and give you golden yolks and sturdy eggshells. With consistent care, you’ll notice happier, more productive hens in no time.
Ensure you are feeding a balanced diet, create a comfortable and clean living space, and you will see a change in the quality and amount of eggs you receive. Now that you know how to get chickens to lay more eggs, it’s time to try a few of these tips.
Chickens thrive when they’re cared for naturally and consistently, and that care will shine through in the eggs you collect.
