What to Feed Chickens & How to Care for Egg-Laying Hens
What to Feed Chickens | Egg-Laying Hen Care Guide
Learn what to feed chickens and how to care for egg-laying hens for healthy birds and consistent egg production.
Keywords: what to feed chickens, egg laying hen care, chicken diet, backyard chickens, poultry care
Raising egg-laying chickens can be rewarding and productive, but proper nutrition and care are essential for healthy hens and consistent egg production. Understanding what to feed your chickens and how to maintain their environment will help them thrive.
🥕 What to Feed Chickens
A balanced diet is key to strong, healthy hens that lay high-quality eggs.
🐔 Layer Feed (Main Diet)
Egg-laying chickens should be fed a high-quality layer feed, which contains the right balance of protein (usually around 16–18%), calcium, and nutrients needed for egg production.
🌽 Grains & Scratch (Treats)
Grains like corn and wheat can be given in moderation as treats. Too much can reduce egg production, so they should not replace their main feed.
🥬 Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Chickens enjoy fresh foods, which also provide vitamins:
- Leafy greens
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Apples (no seeds)
Avoid feeding spoiled or processed foods.
🦪 Calcium Supplements
Calcium is essential for strong eggshells. Provide:
- Crushed oyster shells
- Crushed eggshells
Offer calcium separately so hens can consume what they need.
💧 Fresh Water
Always provide clean, fresh water. Dehydration can quickly reduce egg production and harm your flock.
🏡 General Care for Egg-Laying Chickens
🏠 Safe & Clean Coop
A proper chicken coop should:
- Protect from predators
- Be well-ventilated
- Stay dry and clean
- Provide nesting boxes for laying eggs
Clean the coop regularly to prevent disease.
🐔 Space & Exercise
Chickens need room to move and forage. Allow:
- Outdoor access or a run
- Space to scratch and explore
This helps keep them healthy and reduces stress.
☀️ Sunlight & Routine
Chickens need 12–16 hours of light daily to maintain egg production. Natural sunlight is best, but supplemental lighting can help in winter.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
Keep an eye on your chickens for signs of illness:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Changes in egg production
Regular cleaning and good nutrition help prevent most issues.
🥚 Egg Collection
Collect eggs daily to:
- Keep them clean
- Prevent breakage
- Discourage egg eating
❤️ Final Thoughts
Feeding your chickens a balanced diet and providing proper care will result in happy, healthy hens and a steady supply of fresh eggs. With the right setup and routine, backyard chickens are easy to manage and incredibly rewarding. furfinfeatherpets.com
