Boosting egg production naturally is a rewarding endeavor that benefits both your hens’ health and your egg basket. Here are three natural methods to enhance egg production, each accompanied by three actionable tips:
1. Optimize Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is very important if you want consistent egg laying.
a. Provide High-Quality Layer Feed
- Choose a feed that is specifically for laying hens. You want to make sure that it contains 16–18% protein.
- Ensure the feed includes essential vitamins and minerals.
- Avoid over-supplementing with treats. It’s best to offer regular feed first, then you can give the treat. Chickens are just like kids. They will fill up on the treats if you let them!
b. Supplement with Calcium
- Offer crushed oyster shells or cleaned, crushed eggshells in a separate feeder.
- Ensure constant access to calcium to support eggshell formation.
- Keep an eye on the quality of your hens’ eggshells and adjust how much calcium you offer.
c. Incorporate Protein-Rich Treats
- Provide treats like mealworms, black oiled sunflower seeds (B.O.S.S), or cooked legumes.
- Offer these treats in moderation to prevent dietary imbalances.
- Use protein treats especially during molting or colder months when energy needs increase.
2. Enhance Environmental Conditions
A comfortable and stress-free environment encourages hens to lay more consistently.
a. Maintain Cleanliness
- Clean the coop regularly to prevent disease and parasites.
- Replace bedding frequently to keep nesting areas fresh.
- Ensure proper ventilation to reduce ammonia buildup.
b. Provide Adequate Lighting
- Ensure hens receive 14–16 hours of light daily, especially during shorter winter days.
- Use timers for artificial lighting to maintain consistent light exposure.
- Avoid sudden changes in lighting to prevent stress.
c. Ensure Safe and Spacious Housing
- Provide enough space to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to stress.
- Protect the coop from predators to make hens feel secure.
- Offer outdoor access or enrichment to promote natural behaviors.
3. Utilize Herbal Supplements
Herbs can naturally support hen health and egg production.
a. Incorporate Nesting Box Herbs
- Use herbs like lavender, chamomile, and peppermint in nesting boxes to reduce stress.
- These herbs can also deter pests and improve coop aroma.
- Regularly refresh herbs to maintain their effectiveness.
Increases egg laying naturally.
- Improves chicken health.
- Deters parasites: mites, lice, fleas & flies as well as mice, rats, raccoons, coyotes, opossums and more!
- On SALE!
- Shop: Nesting Box Herbs
b. Add Herbs to Feed
- Mix dried herbs such as calendula(marigolds), parsley, or fennel into feed for immune support.
- Introduce new herbs gradually to monitor acceptance and effects.
- Consult with a poultry nutrition expert for appropriate herb quantities.
c. Grow Fresh Herbs for Foraging
- Plant herbs like lavender, marigold, dandelion, and rosemary in or near the run.
- Allow hens to forage, providing both nutrition and enrichment.
- Ensure that all plants are safe and non-toxic to poultry.
Implementing these natural methods can lead to healthier hens and a more abundant egg supply. Regular observation and adjustments based on your flock’s needs will further enhance results.
Increases egg laying naturally.
- Improves chicken health.
- Deters parasites: mites, lice, fleas & flies as well as mice, rats, raccoons, coyotes, opossums and more!
- On SALE!
- Shop: Nesting Box Herbs
