Give Hens Enough Daylight
Light is the #1 trigger for egg laying.
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Hens need 14–16 hours of daylight to stay in production.
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In winter, use a low-watt LED light with a timer.
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Set the light to turn on in early morning (not at night) to avoid stress.
💡 Tip: A simple $10 timer and daylight bulb can make a huge difference in egg output.
Feed for Egg Power
A balanced diet fuels both health and egg formation.
Use a high-quality layer feed (16–18% protein).
Add calcium (crushed oyster shell or eggshells) for stronger shells.
Include fresh greens, veggies, and mealworms for variety.
Offer clean, cool water at all times — even mild dehydration can stop laying.
🥚 Bonus: A tablespoon of black oil sunflower seeds daily adds healthy fats and shine to feathers.
Keep Their Coop Clean & Calm
Stress kills production faster than cold weather.
Maintain a quiet, dry, and well-ventilated coop.
Collect eggs often to prevent breakage and broodiness.
Remove wet bedding to control ammonia and odors.
Keep nest boxes clean with fresh shavings or nesting pads.
✨ Tip: One nesting box for every 3–4 hens helps prevent crowding.
Manage Seasonal Changes
In winter, supplement light and keep coops dry (not hot).
In summer, provide shade, cool water, and airflow to prevent heat stress.
During molting, hens naturally rest from laying — feed extra protein (like scrambled eggs or mealworms) to help feathers regrow faster.
Support Hen Health
Healthy hens = happy layers.
Offer apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp/gal water) weekly for gut health.
Add poultry vitamins/electrolytes during stress or weather swings.
Worm and dust for mites regularly — parasites steal nutrients that hens need for eggs.
Rotate supplements like garlic powder or oregano oil for immune support.
Reduce Stress Factors
Stress = fewer eggs. Keep hens relaxed by:
Limiting loud noises and predator scares.
Avoiding overcrowding (at least 4 sq. ft per hen indoors, 10 sq. ft outdoors).
Handling gently and consistently.
Maintaining a routine feeding and lighting schedule.
Use Egg-Boosting Supplements
Calcium grit or oyster shell → stronger shells
Poultry probiotics or ACV → better digestion
Vitamin D3 → helps absorb calcium
Natural protein treats (worms, peas, sunflower seeds) → increased energy for laying
⚠️ Avoid “magic” supplements that promise instant results — egg health builds up over weeks of good care.