You might notice your chickens starting to lay more eggs as spring sets in. This is great news for backyard chicken owners! But it also means you need to pay extra attention to egg quality.
Fresh eggs from your hens are a real treat. To keep them at their best, think about what you’re feeding your chickens. Good nutrition leads to tasty, healthy eggs.
Try mixing up your chickens’ diet with some spring-friendly treats. Warm oatmeal can be a cozy snack on cold days. Pumpkin seeds are full of good nutrients. Dried mealworms are a protein-packed favorite that many chickens love.
Remember to balance treats with regular feed. Too many goodies can throw off your hens’ diet. Aim for treats to make up no more than 10% of what they eat each day.
Keep an eye on egg shells too. If they seem thin or soft, your hens might need more calcium. Crushed oyster shells can help with this. You can mix some into their feed or offer it separately.
By taking care of your chickens’ needs, you’ll enjoy the best eggs from your backyard flock all spring long!
Better Eggs with Natural Ingredients
Want to boost your chickens’ health and egg quality? Try adding some natural ingredients to their feed. Apple cider vinegar granules are a great place to start. These dried-out vinegar bits can help your hens stay healthy and grow well. They may even lower the chances of harmful bacteria in eggs.
Oregano is another helpful addition. Chicken farms have found that using oregano in feed and around coops keeps birds healthier. It seems to help fight off sickness.
Don’t forget about garlic! It contains a substance called allicin that can improve chicken immune systems. Garlic may also keep pesky mites away from your backyard flock. While fresh garlic works well in water, dried garlic mixes easily into feed. Your hens are more likely to eat it this way too.
By adding these simple ingredients to your chickens’ diet, you might see happier, healthier birds and tastier eggs. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
Boost Your Chickens’ Eggshells with Oyster Shells
Want to help your hens lay eggs with strong, healthy shells? Oyster shells are the answer! These calcium-packed treats give your chickens the nutrients they need to make great eggshells. Without enough calcium, your hens might take it from their own bones. That’s not good for them at all!
Oyster shells are easy to use. Mix them with other yummy treats your chickens love. They’ll gobble them up faster this way. Your hens will eat the shells on their own too, but hiding them in treats works even better.
Don’t have oyster shells? No problem! Crushed eggshells work just as well. Your chickens will thank you for the extra calcium. It helps them stay healthy and happy while laying those perfect eggs for you.
Golden Yolks from Calendula-Fed Hens
Want to make your egg yolks more golden? Try feeding your hens calendula! This flower is packed with beta carotene, which is great for your chickens’ health. It also gives their yolks a beautiful golden color.
You’ll see a big difference between store-bought eggs and the ones from your calendula-fed hens. The yolks will be much more vibrant. As a bonus, calendula smells amazing, so your coop will have a lovely scent too!
Lavender & Chamomile for Happy Hens
Want to help your hens relax and lay better eggs? Try adding lavender and chamomile to their lives! These sweet-smelling flowers can make a big difference. Put some in their nesting boxes to create a cozy spot. Your chickens will love the nice scent.
You can also let your hens eat these flowers. It’s good for them and they enjoy it! When hens are calm, they lay eggs with stronger shells. The shells look smoother too. This trick helps your chickens stay healthy and makes egg-laying easier for them.
The Greatest Eggs Around!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients for making some truly amazing eggs:
- 1/4 cup each of calendula, lavender, rose buds, alfalfa, and chamomile
- 1/4 teaspoon each of granulated garlic and apple cider vinegar granules
- 1 tablespoon each of oregano, parsley, and oyster shells
Mix these together for a unique and tasty blend to sprinkle on your eggs. You’ll love the floral notes and added nutrients. Try it out and see how it transforms your breakfast!
How to Use
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. You can feed this blend to your chickens separately or combine it with their regular layer feed. Offer it to both laying hens and adult roosters as part of a balanced diet.
Remember, this mix is meant to supplement your flock’s nutrition, not replace their main food source. Give it to your birds daily for the best results. You might notice improvements in egg quality and shell strength over time.
Keep the mixture fresh by storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Make smaller batches if needed to ensure your chickens always get the freshest ingredients. Enjoy watching your happy, healthy flock thrive on this special blend!
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
