How do I encourage egg production?

[minnesotachicken]

I've heard some things you should or should not do to encourage egg production. Please tell me what has increased/ decreased your # or quality of eggs! If you can't tell, I'm new to this!

 

[FarmerJamie]

Happy hens are productive hens. Good feed, clean water, ample space are about all you need. A varied diet, including extra calcium and lots of protein can really help crank out the eggs. If your hens don't free range outside of a run, you'll need to work a little harder at providing that variety. Amount of sunlight (length of day) and temp for me seem to be the biggest variables. Just be a good provider and they will pay your back many times over.

Welcome to the club!

 

[dieselgrl48]

Ditto Farmer:Laying hen's are only going to produce one egg a day.Natural protien sources are going to give you Organic egg's.Free ranging only if in a run let's them have natural acess to dirt,worm's, bug, and greens.The less processed feed's you give them the best organic best egg's you will get.

 

[spottedtail]

You can give extended hours of light over the winter.
In MN we start in late Sept and end in late March.

I can give more details if you're interested in this method.
You'll need a source of electricity and two electrical timers.
How old are your hens?

spot

 

[kudzu vine]

This is what I did and it worked. I placed a 15w light in the chickenhouse where the laying boxes are located. This gives them daylight all the time. I also cut back on corn and more laying pellets. Mine run loose during the day in a very large fenced yard. I give them feed mid day and then again when I put them up. I think between the light and higher % of laying pellets has helped to almost double my egg production.

 

[minnesotachicken]

Thanks! Why do I keep seeing that if you free range they won't lay as well? How many hours of light do you give them in winter?

I have
8 Dark Brahmas - 16 weeks ( not laying yet)
1 Dominique- 16 weeks
1 Red sex link- good layer- 1 yr old
1 Red leghorn- 24 weeks- good layer
1 americauna-14 weeks
1 americauna mix- 18 weeks- just started laying
1 silkie- 12 weeks

 

[elmo]

Quote:
So true! My dad was raised on a farm in Vermont. When he was around 10 years old, his mother offered to split the profits from selling eggs if he'd take over caring for the chickens. He took on the job, and gave the hens extra TLC. He enlarged the chicken run, gave them frequent fresh bedding, fresh water twice a day, treats, and he even spent time talking to them. The hens ramped up their production like crazy, and my dad was making a bundle! In fact, my grandmother got greedy and regretted her deal to split the profits with hiim. She cancelled her deal with my dad and took over caring for the chickens herself.

She didn't do all the extra things that my dad was doing, though. It wasn't long before production dropped back down. And my father, not trusting her now, wouldn't go back to their original arrangement. My grandmother obviously never read the parable about the goose and the golden egg.