How to Look After Egg Laying Hens

Hens lay eggs often, usually every two or three days, but sometimes every day, depending on the breed. This makes it a rewarding experience to keep egg laying hens. Chickens are relatively easy to care for, even when you're looking after egg laying hens. You don't even need to a keep a rooster in your flock if you plan to use the eggs for eating. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your hens are happy and comfortable, producing a decent number of eggs.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken coop
  • Perch
  • Nest box
  • Fencing
  • Bedding material
  • Chicken feed
  • Crushed oyster shells
  • Water container
  • Fake egg
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your hens with a chicken coop. This coop should be large enough to comfortably house each chicken. Although there's no definitive size you should provide for each hen, you'll need to make sure that each has room to move around, perch and lay her eggs. If the chickens become too crowded, health problems will develop and you'll know you need to provide more room for the chickens. You can purchase pre-made chicken coops or make your own.

    • 2

      Add a wide perch place for the hens. Add a large nest box. The nest box is a semi-enclosed box where the hens will lay their eggs. Make sure that both the perch area and nest box are large enough for the hens to comfortably fit in.

    • 3

      Provide a chicken run for the hens. Chickens, like all animals, need room to exercise and move around. A fenced-in area attached to the chicken coop will allow the hens to move about.

    • 4

      Fill the nest box area with straw or another soft bedding material. Change out the bedding for clean bedding whenever you notice that it's getting dirty.

    • 5

      Feed your hens a chicken feed specifically designed for egg laying hens. Although you can make your own chicken feed, most feed stores offer a selection of egg laying hen feeds. You can also find organic or higher quality hen feeds at specialty retailers.

    • 6

      Give your hens fresh vegetable scraps, worms and grains, such as oats, as treats. These treats provide variety in your hens' diet and may also provide added vitamins or nutrients.

    • 7

      Provide your hens with crushed oyster shells, which are available at feed stores. The oyster shells provide the calcium your hens need in order to produce eggs.

    • 8

      Place a water container in easy reach for the hens and make sure that it never runs dry. Chickens need a constant supply of fresh water.

    • 9

      Place a fake egg in the chicken's nest box. The egg can be glass, plastic or wood. The fake egg tells your hens that the nest box is a safe area to lay eggs. This will also encourage the hens to lay their eggs only in this area.

    • 10

      Collect the eggs daily to avoid breakages.