Egg-laying: Practical Guide to Healthy Laying Hens

Want more strong eggs from your hens without guesswork? This page gives clear, hands-on advice you can use today: what to feed, how to light the coop, signs of trouble, and when to call a vet. No fluff—just things that make a real difference in egg production and hen health.

Nutrition & Housing Tips

Egg production runs on two things: the right feed and a steady routine. Adult laying hens do best on a feed with about 16–18% protein and 3.5–4% calcium. If shells are thin or soft, offer free-choice oyster shell in a separate dish so hens take it as needed. Crushed oyster shell is cheap and effective. Grit helps digestion if hens eat whole grains or free-range treats.

Light controls laying more than people expect. Aim for 14–16 hours of light per day during peak laying season. Don’t blast light overnight—give a steady dark period to rest birds. Keep coop temperature stable and dry; damp, drafty coops stress hens and lower egg numbers. Clean nest boxes often and use soft bedding so eggs don’t crack.

Water is critical. A hen that drinks well lays better. Check water daily and keep drinkers clean. When hens eat lush grass or lots of kitchen scraps, balance that with layer feed to avoid nutritional gaps.

Health, Meds and Egg Safety

Watch hens every day. Bright eyes, a red comb, steady weight, and regular droppings signal health. If you see pale combs, soft shells, lethargy, diarrhea, or sudden drop in lay, act fast. Basic causes are often simple: low calcium, stress from predators or new birds, parasites, or molting.

Parasites and infections matter. External mites and lice can be treated with approved poultry products—follow the label. Worms or coccidia need specific treatments; talk to a vet for diagnosis and proper medicine. Avoid using human antibiotics or leftover drugs without veterinary guidance. If antibiotics are used, observe withdrawal times before eating eggs to prevent residues.

Vaccinations and prevention save trouble. Many flocks benefit from common vaccines (ask your vet which ones suit your area). Good biosecurity—limit visitors, clean equipment, and quarantine new birds for two weeks—keeps diseases out.

Molting is natural. Hens often stop or reduce laying while they replace feathers. Improve their diet (extra protein) and reduce stress; lay will usually return in a few weeks to months.

Simple checks you can do now: count eggs each morning to spot drops, compare shell thickness, top up oyster shell, and set a light timer if needed. When in doubt about meds or sudden illness, call a vet. A quick check can save a whole flock.

Want printable checklists or a quick feeding plan for 10 hens? Click through to our other resources or contact a local poultry vet for tailored advice.