If you’re anything like me, the idea of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard is just too good to resist. Raising laying hens at home isn’t just about getting delicious eggs, it’s about creating a small, sustainable ecosystem right in your backyard.
Hens provide natural pest control, turn kitchen scraps into compost, and, if you treat them well, reward you with beautiful fresh eggs almost every day.
Whether you’re new to keeping chickens or looking to improve your flock’s productivity, I’ve got some hard-earned tips to help you raise happy, healthy hens.
Choosing the Right Laying Hens
Not all chickens are the same when it comes to egg-laying.
If you want a steady supply of eggs, go for breeds that are known for their productivity and hardiness. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Rhode Island Reds – Hardy, low-maintenance, and excellent egg layers.
- Leghorns – If you want lots of white eggs, this breed is a champion.
- Plymouth Rocks – Friendly, dual-purpose birds that lay brown eggs.
- Australorps – One of the best backyard breeds, known for consistent egg production.
- Buff Orpingtons – A great choice if you want friendly, fluffy hens that also lay well.
When choosing chicks, always buy from a reputable hatchery or breeder to ensure they are healthy and disease-free.
You can also start with pullets (young hens) if you want to skip the chick-raising phase and get eggs sooner.
Creating a Comfortable Coop
A happy hen lays more eggs. A well-designed coop will protect your birds from weather, predators, and stress. Here’s what your coop needs:
- Enough space: Each hen should have at least 3–4 square feet inside the coop and 8–10 square feet in the run. Overcrowding leads to stress, fighting, and poor egg production.
- Ventilation: Chickens produce moisture and ammonia, so fresh air is essential. A few small vents or windows near the top of the coop will help with airflow.
- Nest boxes: Provide one nest box for every 3–4 hens. Line them with soft bedding (straw or pine shavings) to keep eggs clean.
- Perches for roosting: Hens prefer to sleep off the ground. Install sturdy wooden perches so they can rest comfortably at night.
- Predator-roofing: Secure all openings with hardware cloth (not chicken wire, which predators can tear through). Close the coop at night to protect your flock from raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
Feeding for Maximum Egg Production
Hens can’t lay good eggs without proper nutrition. I always make sure my flock has a balanced diet to keep them healthy and productive. Here’s what they need:
- Layer feed: The main part of their diet should be layer pellets or crumbles, which contain 16–18% protein and extra calcium for strong eggshells.
- Calcium source: To prevent soft shells, offer crushed oyster shells or eggshells as a free-choice supplement.
- Fresh water: Never let them run out of water. Dehydrated hens will stop laying eggs.
- Kitchen scraps & treats: Chickens love treats, but balance is key. My flock enjoys leafy greens, fruits, and occasional grains, but avoid salty, sugary, or spoiled food.
- Grit: Since hens don’t have teeth, they need grit (tiny stones) to help them digest their food properly.
Avoid giving them raw potatoes, onions, chocolate, or anything moldy—some foods can be toxic to chickens.
Egg-Laying and Encouraging Production
Hens usually start laying eggs around 5–6 months old, depending on the breed and season. If you want them to lay consistently, consider these factors:
- Lighting: Hens need about 14–16 hours of daylight to maintain egg production. In winter, when daylight is shorter, you can add a small LED light in the coop on a timer.
- Regular egg collection: Collect eggs at least once or twice a day to keep them clean and prevent hens from eating them.
- Minimizing stress: Loud noises, predators, and changes in their routine can disrupt laying. Keep their environment calm, safe, and predictable.
- Molting season: Once a year, hens go through a molting period where they shed old feathers and take a break from laying. It’s normal! Just keep feeding them well, and they’ll return to laying after a few weeks.
Keeping Your Flock Healthy
A healthy hen is a productive hen. I always keep an eye on my flock for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, ruffled feathers, or decreased appetite. Here’s how I keep them in top shape:
- Clean the coop regularly – A clean coop prevents parasites and disease. I do a quick clean weekly and a deep clean once a month.
- Check for parasites – Mites and lice love to hide in feathers. Dusting with diatomaceous earth or providing a dust bath can help keep them at bay.
- Provide natural health boosters – A little apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) helps with digestion and immunity. Garlic and oregano in their diet also offer antibacterial benefits.
- Watch for bullying – Some hens are bossy. If a hen is getting picked on, I separate her temporarily to reduce stress.
