Most people start raising backyard chickens for the fresh eggs, but they quickly realize their hens become beloved pets, too. It’s truly a win-win! If you think about it, it’s amazing that a chicken can lay an egg in just 24 hours. But for this process to happen consistently, your hens need proper care, nutrition and a stress-free environment.
The good news? Meeting their needs isn’t as complicated as it might seem. If you provide them with the essentials, they’ll do the rest!
Nutrition: The Foundation of Egg Production
A balanced diet is key to keeping your hens laying. Make sure they have access to a high-quality layer feed that contains:
Calcium for strong eggshells
Protein for overall health and egg formation
Essential nutrients for peak performance
I store our feed in galvanized cans to keep it fresh and safe from rodents, bugs and even curious chickens.
Boosting Nutrition with Supplements
Since calcium is critical for eggshell strength, I offer crushed oyster shells alongside their regular feed. I also use Chicken E-lixir in their water every day. It’s a daily vitamin that includes calcium, electrolytes and vitamins D & E. For an added calcium boost, I give them Golden Graze as a treat, which also contains crushed oyster shells!
Don’t Forget Grit
If your chickens eat anything other than their feed, they must have access to grit. Since chickens don’t have teeth, grit helps break down food in their gizzards, improving digestion and preventing crop issues.
Fresh Water is a Must
Dehydration can significantly reduce egg production, so always keep fresh, clean water available. Chickens drink more than you’d think, and they need consistent hydration to stay healthy. My favorite waterer that I've used is the nipple waterer, especially the electric ones!
Light: The Secret to Consistent Laying
Hens need 14-16 hours of light per day to lay eggs consistently. In the spring and summer, natural sunlight is enough, but in the shorter winter months, you might need to supplement with artificial light in the coop.
I personally let my girls take a break in the winter, so I don’t supplement light. However, if you do, make sure it’s consistent, as sudden changes can disrupt egg-laying patterns.
Space and Environment: A Happy Hen is a Laying Hen
The environment your chickens live in also plays a huge role in their ability to lay. Each hen needs enough space to roam, perch and nest comfortably. Overcrowding leads to stress, aggressive behavior and reduced egg production.
Recommended space per chicken:
4 sq. ft. per bird in the coop
10 sq. ft. per bird in the run
When designing your coop and run, plan for more chickens than you think you need because trust me, chickens are addicting! Haha!
Clean Coop, Happy Hens
A clean coop is essential for keeping your flock healthy. Dirty bedding attracts pests and diseases, which can impact egg production. I use Coop Recuperate to keep bedding fresher and drier for longer, helping to reduce odors and ammonia buildup.
Nesting Box Setup
Hens need a comfortable and secure place to lay their eggs. Here’s what I use:
One nesting box per 3-4 hens
Green turf or wood shavings for comfort
Curtains for added privacy (optional, but some hens love it!)
Even with perfect nesting boxes, some of my girls still lay their eggs wherever they please. Sometimes collecting eggs feels like a treasure hunt! Ha!
Health and Stress Management
Monitoring your flock for signs of illness, parasites or unusual behavior helps you catch potential problems early. Healthy hens are productive hens!
Reduce Stress for Better Egg Production
Stress is one of the biggest reasons hens stop laying eggs. Loud noises, predator threats and pecking order drama can disrupt egg production. To help my flock through stressful times, I use Flock Fixer. It’s designed to support hydration, gut health and immunity during challenges like weather changes or flock transitions.
Raising Backyard Chickens is So Rewarding
There’s nothing better than frying up an egg from your own backyard flock, knowing you’re providing your family with high-quality, nutrient-dense protein. And let’s be honest, fresh eggs taste better!
The key to consistent egg production is giving your flock what they need to thrive. That’s why I trust Strong Animals Chicken Essentials, they make raising backyard chickens easy and enjoyable. Of course, there have been challenges along the way, but overall, my flock has been healthy and strong.
Remember, happy and healthy hens lay the best eggs, and they’ll steal your heart along the way!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Flock Fixer - Hydrate & Restore Health During Times of Challenge
You can’t always see it, but your flock will experience a weakened immune system during times of challenge. Flock Fixer is a vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health.
Chicken E-lixir - Daily Vitamin for Chickens
Chicken E-lixir is added to drinking water as a daily vitamin for keeping chickens healthy by promoting digestive health. For everyday use, it contains a unique blend of organic oregano essential oil, prebiotics, calcium, vitamins D & E and electrolytes.
Coop Recuperate - Freshen Up Your Chicken Coop Coop Recuperate is a safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odor and moisture and help improve the quality of your compost.