Chicken Food that Encourages Egg Production

Individuals from the suburbs to the city are finding the joys of having hens in their yards. Having your own brood ensures eggs that are tastier and fresher than commercial products. Thriving chickens need proper nutrients to stay active and to form quality eggs. Feeding these omnivorous birds properly involves keeping a few main points in mind.

  1. Calcium and Water

    • Hens need supplemental calcium to form thick eggshells and to assist them in the laying process. Purchase calcium as ground oyster shells processed specifically for hens and keep it available in the enclosure. Always provide fresh, clean water for the birds. Scrub the water vessel daily and change the water daily or more frequently if it gets soiled by dirt or droppings.

    Fresh Greens and Fruit

    • Chickens need vegetables and fruit in their diet. Provide access to pasture and other greens such as leaf lettuce, peas, kale and spinach. Hens will eat apples, pears, grapes, melons and other fruits, but don't feed them avocados or citrus fruits. Try different greens and fruits to see what they prefer. Chickens also love fresh corn, but this a rich treat that should be fed only occasionally because some birds become fat on it.

    Protein

    • Chickens are not vegetarian. In the pasture they will eat insects and worms and will even prey on snakes, frogs and small mice. Yogurt is a favorite food for many chickens. Provide mealworms (alive or dried), crickets and other cooked protein sources every so often. Avoid preserved or salted meats such as sausage or bacon. Do not overfeed meats and never feed raw meat or anything unfit for human consumption.

    Commercial Feed

    • Commercial pelleted, crumbled or mash feeds are manufactured to provide all of the nutrition a laying hen needs. Organic or other specialty grains milled with herbs and probiotics are also available. Provide fresh feed daily and let the birds feed at will.