Raising egg-laying chickens can be a fun and rewarding hobby. You get fresh eggs and friendly feathered friends in your backyard. Taking care of chickens is not hard, but it does require some basic knowledge and daily attention.
To take care of egg-laying chickens, you need to provide them with food, water, shelter, and protection from predators. Chickens need a balanced diet of layer feed and some treats. They also need clean water every day. A safe coop keeps them warm and dry at night. During the day, chickens like to roam and scratch in a fenced area.
Chickens are pretty easy to care for once you get the hang of it. With the right setup, you only need to spend about 15 minutes a day on chicken chores. The rest of the time you can enjoy watching their antics and collecting fresh eggs. Let’s look at the basics of chicken care to get you started.
Understanding Egg Laying Chickens
Egg laying chickens have unique traits and go through a specific process to produce eggs. Knowing these details helps you care for your flock better.
Breeds and Traits
Egg-laying chicken breeds come in many varieties. Hybrids like California White and Golden Comet are top producers. Heritage breeds such as Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns are also good choices.
These chickens have special traits. They’re often smaller and lighter than meat birds. This helps them put more energy into egg production.
Egg layers are usually friendly and easy to handle. They’re curious and like to explore their surroundings. These birds do well in backyard coops and can adapt to different climates.
Most lay eggs daily during peak seasons. The color of eggs depends on the breed. Some lay white, while others produce brown, blue, or even green eggs.
Egg Production Process
The egg production process is complex. It starts in the hen’s ovary, where yolks form. This takes about 10 days.
Once a yolk is ready, it moves to the oviduct. Here, the white forms around it. The shell develops last, taking about 20 hours.
Hens typically lay eggs in the morning. A small flock of three hens can produce 12-18 eggs a week during warm months. This rate slows in winter due to less daylight.
Factors like diet, stress, and age affect egg production. Young hens lay more eggs than older ones. Proper nutrition is key for steady laying. Chickens need calcium-rich feed to make strong shells.
Creating a Healthy Environment
A healthy environment is key for egg-laying chickens. It keeps them safe, comfortable, and productive. Good housing, enough space, and protection from predators are essential.
Housing Needs
Your chickens need a sturdy coop to thrive. The coop should be well-ventilated but free from drafts. Good air flow prevents respiratory issues and keeps the coop dry.
Provide nesting boxes for egg laying. One box per 3-4 hens is ideal. Line them with clean, dry bedding.
Install roosts for your chickens to sleep on. Allow 8-10 inches of roost space per bird. Place roosts higher than nesting boxes to prevent sleeping in nests.
Keep the coop clean. Remove droppings daily and replace bedding weekly. This stops diseases and pests.
Add a dust bath area. Fill a shallow container with sand or dirt. Chickens use this to clean themselves and control parasites.
Space Requirements
Your chickens need room to move and act naturally. In the coop, provide 3-4 square feet per bird for standard breeds.
The run should offer 8-10 square feet per chicken. This gives them space to scratch, peck, and dust bathe.
If you free-range, allow even more space. This lets chickens forage and exercise freely.
Overcrowding leads to stress and reduced egg production. It can also cause pecking and other behavior issues.
Rotate grazing areas if possible. This prevents overgrazing and helps control parasites in the soil.
Protection From Predators
Secure your coop against predators. Use strong wire mesh with small openings. Bury it at least 12 inches deep around the coop’s perimeter.
Install solid locks on coop doors. Raccoons can open simple latches.
Cover the run with netting or wire. This protects from aerial predators like hawks.
Use motion-activated lights around the coop. These can deter nighttime predators.
Consider getting a guard animal like a dog. They can help keep predators away.
Always lock your chickens in the coop at night. Most predators are nocturnal.
Check your coop and run regularly for signs of damage or digging. Fix any issues promptly to keep your flock safe.
Feeding and Nutrition
Proper feeding is key to keeping your chickens healthy and laying lots of eggs. You need to give them the right mix of nutrients at the right times.
Diet Composition
Layer feed is the main food for egg-laying chickens. It has 16-18% protein and extra calcium for strong eggshells. You can buy ready-made layer feed at farm supply stores.
The feed should have: • Protein (16-18%) • Calcium (3.5-4%) • Phosphorus (0.5%) • Vitamins and minerals
You can mix your own feed, but it’s tricky to get the balance right. Commercial feeds are easier and have everything your chickens need.
Avoid medicated chick feed for layers. It doesn’t have enough calcium and can harm egg production.
Feeding Schedule
Feed your chickens twice a day. Give them as much as they’ll eat in about 20 minutes.
A typical schedule: • Morning: Main feeding • Afternoon: Light snack • Evening: Top up feeders for the night
An average hen eats about 100-105 grams of feed per day. Adjust amounts based on your flock’s needs.
Always provide fresh, clean water. Chickens drink a lot, especially in hot weather.
Supplements and Treats
Offer grit to help chickens digest their food. Oyster shells give extra calcium for strong eggshells.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of the diet. Good options include: • Leafy greens • Fruits (in moderation) • Mealworms • Cooked eggs
Avoid: • Moldy or spoiled food • Avocado skins and pits • Raw beans • Chocolate
Scratch grains can be a nice treat, but don’t overdo it. They’re like chicken candy – tasty but not very nutritious.
Health and Wellness
Keeping your egg-laying chickens healthy is key to a happy flock and good egg production. Proper care helps prevent common issues and ensures high-quality eggs.
Common Health Issues
Chickens can face several health problems. Respiratory infections are common, causing sneezing and wheezing. Watch for signs like watery eyes or nasal discharge.
Parasites like mites and lice can bother your birds. Check them regularly for tiny bugs or eggs in their feathers.
Egg binding occurs when a hen can’t lay her egg. This is serious and needs quick action. Signs include straining and a swollen abdomen.
Bumblefoot, an infection in the foot, can cause lameness. Look for swollen feet or scabs on the bottom of their feet.
Preventative Care
Regular check-ups are crucial. Inspect your chickens weekly for any signs of illness or injury.
Keep the coop clean and dry. Remove droppings daily and change bedding often to prevent disease spread.
Provide a balanced diet with proper nutrients. Good nutrition boosts their immune system and overall health.
Offer clean, fresh water daily. Dehydration can lead to many health issues.
Vaccinate your flock against common diseases. Ask your vet about recommended vaccines for your area.
Allow space for dust bathing. This natural behavior helps chickens keep parasites at bay.
Egg Quality and Issues
Good egg quality starts with hen health. Provide calcium supplements like crushed oyster shells for strong eggshells.
Soft-shelled eggs can indicate calcium deficiency or illness. Address this quickly to prevent further issues.
Misshapen or discolored eggs may signal stress or health problems. Keep an eye out for consistent abnormalities.
Collect eggs daily to ensure freshness and prevent breakage or eating by hens.
Store eggs properly. Clean them gently if needed and refrigerate promptly.
Daily Care and Management
Taking care of egg-laying chickens requires daily tasks to keep them healthy and productive. These tasks include routine practices, egg collection, and maintaining cleanliness.
Routine Practices
Start your day by letting your chickens out of their coop. Check their food and water supplies. Fill feeders with layer feed and make sure waterers are clean and full. Keep an eye on your flock’s behavior. Look for signs of illness or distress.
In hot weather, ensure chickens have shade and extra water. During winter, check that water isn’t frozen. Provide grit and oyster shells for proper digestion and egg formation.
At dusk, make sure all chickens are back in the coop. Close and secure the coop door to protect them from predators.
Egg Collection
Collect eggs at least once daily, preferably in the morning. This keeps eggs clean and prevents hens from becoming broody. Use a basket or egg carton for collection.
Check nesting boxes for broken eggs. Remove any dirty bedding promptly. Count your eggs to track laying patterns. A sudden drop in egg production could signal health issues or stress.
Store eggs in a cool place. Don’t wash eggs unless they’re visibly dirty. Washing removes the natural protective coating.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Clean the coop regularly to prevent disease and pest problems. Remove droppings daily from roosting areas. Replace bedding in nesting boxes as needed.
Do a deep clean of the coop monthly. Scrub walls, floors, and roosts with a poultry-safe disinfectant. Keep the area around the coop tidy. Remove any uneaten food to avoid attracting pests.
Check your chickens for signs of parasites like mites or lice. Dust bath areas with diatomaceous earth to help control pests naturally.
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.
