How to Produce Laying Hens

Owning laying hens will provide you with farm fresh eggs for consumption. A wide variety of breeds can be purchased online; however, most sellers require a minimum purchase of 25 to 30. To buy one or two (you only need two) check your local feed store for available standard breeds. Buying locally will also ensure that your bird is suited for your particular outdoor environment. Remember, you don't need a rooster to have farm fresh eggs; roosters are only needed to produce baby chicks.

Things You'll Need

  • Hens
  • Chicken coop
  • Nest boxes
  • Chicken food
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy some chickens. While buying baby chicks will only cost a few dollars, you will need to raise/feed them for about six months prior to any egg harvest. Purchasing an adult hen for around $10 will save you the time and effort of raising baby chicks. The size and amount of eggs laid will depend greatly upon the variety you choose; consult the chicken chart in the References section for breed and productivity specifics.

    • 2

      Provide your hens with a secure place. A chicken coop is essential to combat the elements, but you will also need to provide your hens with nest boxes. These should be big enough to accommodate a single hen. Remember that chickens will choose to lay eggs in a safe, quiet and dark environment. These nest boxes should be comfortable and elevated off the ground by at least a few inches; these measures will add to the hen's sense of security. Lastly, keeping your hens cooped up during early morning hours will encourage them to lay eggs, this is their most productive time to lay.

    • 3

      Feeding your hens a variety of healthy food is the best way to encourage egg production. Grains are important: whole grains are preferred over cracked grains. Greens are great: natural grasses and weeds can be supplemented with your kitchen's vegetable scraps. Proteins, especially during cold months when bugs are not readily available, can be a vital component to a healthy hen: soybeans, milk, worms and meat. Providing clean water near the chicken coop's entrance will encourage hens to drink a sufficient amount of water.