Care for Laying Hens

Raise your own laying hens to ensure the freshest possible eggs. You should follow some basic procedures when undertaking the hobby of raising laying hens in order to allow for the best outcome relating to the health of your hens, egg quality, and egg production yield.

  1. Hen Selection

    • Decide what type of hens you will purchase. Certain breeds, such as Leghorns, are known for their ability to produce quality eggs. Others, like the Orpingtons, are raised for meat or breeding. Campines are known for their bright white eggs. Many breeds, such as the Rhode Island Red, lay eggs in shades of brown. Americaunas are known for their pretty pastel eggs. Talk to your supplier regarding your individual needs. Your local 4-H Club may also have some helpful advice relating to your area and climate, both factors that may affect your choices. Determine the amount of eggs you require when deciding how many hens you will include in your flock. It is best to start small and add hens if needed.

    The Hen House

    • Build or purchase a ready made shelter. This should include the hen house and an outside enclosed area. The hen house should be free from drafts and moisture and there should be a place to roost and straw-lined laying boxes for the hens to lay the eggs. Common laying hens will normally lay the eggs and leave them in the laying box without staying to hatch them. Many hens can use the same box, cutting down on the number of laying boxes you require. The rule of thumb is one box for every three hens.

    Enclosures

    • The outside enclosed area is necessary for your hens to move around and enjoy sunshine and fresh air. A chicken's favorite pastime is scratching for bugs and seeds. Be sure that your chickens are safe from predators if they roam freely. Always close them inside their shelter at night regardless of their outside wandering. Chickens will return to the henhouse at dusk allowing you to close up their hen house before the nighttime predators start hunting.

    Acquiring the Hens

    • You are ready to purchase your hens once your hen house and enclosure are complete and livable. Farm chicks are usually sold at three days of age. Ask your supplier to give the chicks any necessary inoculations. Some people prefer not to have the chicks inoculated if they are considering organic chickens. The ongoing health of the hen is going to affect the quality and/or the amount of the eggs she lays. It is important to check with your veterinarian anytime you have health concerns.

    Food and Water

    • Purchase quality chicken feed for your laying hens. Most brands will be clearly marked as to their specification. Purchase only mixes formulated for laying hens. You may add occasional treats in the form of grains and vegetables. Stay away from processed foods or foods containing additives. Make sure your hens have fresh water available at all times.

    Egg Production

    • Most laying hens reach maturity in four to six months. Eggs may appear sporadically at first, but regular laying will occur as the chicken matures. Hens lay less during the cold, shorter days of winter, but you can increase yield by regulating their light and warmth. Choose from livestock-approved lighting systems that will provide both warmth and light. Make certain that any heat or light source is correctly installed, and placed a safe distance from structures and the roosting and laying areas.