Want More Eggs? Here are 15 Best Chicken Feeds to Increase Egg Production in Chickens

Last updated on May 28, 2025

If your girls aren’t laying consistently or the eggs aren’t quite up to snuff, the first place I look is their diet. Seriously, getting their chicken feed for egg production just right is the absolute cornerstone to unlocking that egg-laying potential and filling your basket with beautiful, fresh eggs!

Think about it: laying an egg every day or two takes a massive amount of energy and nutrients. It’s like a hen running a marathon and building a house simultaneously! If her body doesn’t have the right building blocks, she simply can’t perform. It’s just plain physics and biology. But when you get it right? Oh, the rewards are incredible!

How can you tell if nutrition is the culprit behind a dip in egg numbers? Often, the signs are pretty clear if you know what you’re looking for. Maybe gathering eggs feels disappointing because the shells are thin or brittle. Perhaps you’re seeing frustrating soft-shelled or even shell-less eggs.

Sometimes, the hens just look a bit… off. Their comb might be pale, their feathers dull, or they just seem less active. These are all red flags waving right in front of you, often pointing back to their dinner plate – or lack thereof! Getting their egg-laying nutrition dialed in isn’t just about numbers; it’s about seeing your flock thrive and enjoying the bounty of fresh eggs you know they can produce!

1. High-Quality Layer Feed: The Foundation for Egg Production

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. The absolute foundation of a happy, productive flock and a good chicken diet for eggs is a high-quality commercial layer feed. This isn’t just some random mix; it’s specifically formulated to meet the intense nutritional demands of laying hens. We’re talking about a carefully balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that gives your girls exactly what they need to perform their best.

Why Commercial Layer Feed is Essential

• It’s specifically formulated to meet the intense nutritional demands of laying hens, taking the guesswork out for you.
• It provides a carefully balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring they get everything they need.
• Adequate protein (16-18% for active layers) is crucial for producing the egg itself – more protein means more potential eggs!
• It helps maintain the hen’s body condition, keeping your girls healthy and vibrant.
• Without enough protein, hens simply can’t manufacture eggs efficiently, leading to those disappointing empty nests.
• It’s the easiest way to ensure they get a broad spectrum of daily nutrients, giving you peace of mind.

How much protein do laying hens need?

For peak egg production and overall health, laying hens generally require a feed that contains 16% to 18% protein. This level provides the necessary building blocks for egg formation and supports their body maintenance, helping them reach their full laying potential.

Choosing the Right Protein Level and Brand

You’ll find reputable brands like Purina® or Nutrena® offer excellent options designed for this very purpose. I’ve used both over the years, and they consistently deliver when it comes to providing that essential base diet. It’s the easiest way to ensure they’re getting a broad spectrum of what they need daily, setting them up for success.

2. Why Calcium Isn’t Just Recommended, It’s Required

Beyond the main feed, there’s one natural supplement for laying hens that you simply cannot skip if you want strong, beautiful eggshells: calcium. And I’m not talking about just a little bit. An eggshell is primarily calcium carbonate. Just think about the massive amount of calcium a hen needs to produce a strong shell every single day or two! If she doesn’t get enough from her diet, her body will actually pull calcium from her own bones. That’s not good for anyone, especially her long-term health and ability to lay comfortably.

Crushed Oyster Shells: The Calcium Powerhouse

This is where crushed oyster shells come into play. They are an excellent, readily available source of the calcium your layers desperately need. It’s different from the calcium in their feed because it’s absorbed more slowly. This provides a steady supply for shell formation, particularly overnight when the shell is being created, resulting in those sturdy shells you love.

Why are my chicken’s eggshells thin?

Thin or brittle eggshells are a classic, frustrating sign of calcium deficiency. Without enough calcium in their diet, hens cannot produce strong shells, leading to weak shells, soft shells, or even heartbreaking shell-less eggs. Providing a free-choice calcium supplement like crushed oyster shells is absolutely essential to prevent this and ensure you’re collecting perfect eggs.

How to Offer Calcium Effectively

How do I offer it? I always provide crushed oyster shells in a separate small dish or feeder, right next to their main food and water. This is called “free-choice.” The hens instinctively know when they need extra calcium and will peck at the shells as needed. It’s honestly fascinating and reassuring to watch them self-regulate! Trying to mix it directly into their feed can be tricky. Some hens might get too much, others not enough. Letting them choose is definitely the way to go. It’s a simple addition that brings big results in shell quality!

3. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL): Protein and Calcium Powerhouses for Layers

Now, let’s talk about some fun stuff – treats! But not just any treats. We want nutrient-dense chicken snacks that actually help with laying and make your girls jump for joy. Enter Black Soldier Fly Larvae, or BSFL. These little guys are absolute powerhouses, and trust me, your flock will go bonkers for them!

Why BSFL Are a Top Treat

What makes them so great? For starters, they are packed with protein for hens. This gives them that extra energy boost needed for daily laying, keeping them active and productive. But here’s the kicker: they also contain a good amount of calcium! It’s a fantastic one-two punch that supports both egg quantity and shell quality.

BSFL as a Sustainable Snack and How Much to Feed

Plus, they are a really sustainable protein source, which is a big win in my book – feel good about what you’re feeding them! Offering BSFL is a fantastic way to give your girls a healthy, egg-boosting snack that they absolutely adore. It feels good knowing you’re giving them something beneficial that also makes them happy. They are definitely one of the best chicken food to lay more eggs additions you can make! As for quantity, a small pinch or a dozen or so larvae per hen a few times a week is a good guideline – just enough to make them happy without overdoing it.

4. The Mealworm Craze: Do They Really Help Chickens Lay?

Okay, if BSFL makes them go bonkers, mealworms cause a full-blown stampede! Seriously, if you want to instantly become the most popular person in the coop and get showered with affection (and eggs!), show up with a bag of mealworms. But beyond being the equivalent of chicken candy, do mealworms help chickens lay? The short answer is yes, but mainly because of their high protein content.

Mealworms for a Protein Boost

Like BSFL, mealworms are another excellent source of that critical protein for hens. This protein is vital for egg formation and maintaining the hen’s overall health and energy levels. A little bit of extra protein can absolutely help boost egg production in backyard chickens and even contribute to slightly larger egg size over time – who doesn’t want bigger eggs?!

Feeding Mealworms in Moderation

You can buy them dried, which is super convenient for storage, or live, which some chickens find extra exciting and engaging. However, and this is a big however, mealworms should only be given as a treat and in moderation. They are high in fat, too, and too many can unbalance their diet. Think of them as a supplement, a little extra something to round out their nutrition, not a main food source. A small handful per hen a few times a week is plenty. It’s a great way to bond with your flock and give them a targeted nutrient boost that they’ll love you for.

5. Moringa for Chickens: A Green Superfood for Egg Layers

Here’s one you might not have considered: moringa. This plant is often called a “miracle tree” or “superfood” for humans, and guess what? It’s fantastic for chickens too! I first read about moringa for poultry in some agricultural studies, and I was intrigued by the potential benefits for my flock.

The Nutrient Powerhouse of Moringa

Why is it so great for layers? Moringa leaves are absolutely loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We’re talking about significant amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and protein. These nutrients are vital for the hen’s overall health, immune system, and, you guessed it, her ability to lay consistently and robustly. Getting these micronutrients can really help boost egg production in backyard chickens naturally, giving them that extra edge.

How to Offer Moringa to Your Flock

You can offer moringa in a few ways. If you live in a climate where it grows, fresh leaves are wonderful. Just hang a bunch in the coop, and they’ll go to town, enjoying a healthy green snack. You can also find dried moringa leaf powder.

I sometimes sprinkle a little of the powder into their feed or mix it with some water to make a paste. It’s a simple, natural way to add a powerful nutritional punch to their diet.

It’s definitely one of those natural supplements for laying hens that provides broad benefits for their well-being and laying performance. A teaspoon or two of dried powder per pound of feed, or a handful of fresh leaves per hen a few times a week, works well.

6. Don’t Forget Alfalfa for Yolks and Health!

Alfalfa isn’t just for horses! This nutrient-rich forage is another excellent addition to your chicken diet for eggs. It’s packed with good stuff that benefits your laying hens and makes your eggs even more appealing.

Alfalfa’s Benefits for Layers

What makes alfalfa so valuable? It’s high in calcium, which we already know is crucial for strong eggshells. It also provides good fiber, which aids digestion, keeping their systems running smoothly. But one of my favorite things about feeding alfalfa is its high carotenoid content. These are the natural pigments that give egg yolks that beautiful, deep orange-yellow color. While yolk color doesn’t necessarily indicate nutritional difference in terms of vitamins within the yolk itself (that’s a common myth!), it does show the hen is getting a diet rich in these beneficial plant compounds. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cracking open an egg with a vibrant yolk?!

Different Ways to Feed Alfalfa and How Much

You can offer alfalfa in several forms. Alfalfa hay or bales are great if your chickens have room to peck at them, providing entertainment and nutrition. Alfalfa pellets, often found in rabbit or livestock feed sections, can also be given in moderation. Just make sure it’s plain alfalfa, not a mixed feed.

Adding alfalfa is a simple step that supports shell quality, digestion, and gives you those gorgeous, rich yolks that are a delight to see. It’s one of the great foods that help chickens lay daily by supporting their overall well-being and the visual appeal of your eggs. If using pellets, a small handful per hen a few times a week is sufficient.

7. Sunflower Seeds: A Little Bit of Sunshine for Your Hens

Here’s another treat that can offer some real benefits and make your hens feel special: sunflower seeds. But hold on – not just any kind! You want unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds. The kind people snack on is usually loaded with salt, which isn’t good for your flock’s health.

Nutritional Perks of Sunflower Seeds

Why bother with sunflower seeds? They are a good source of Vitamin E, healthy fats, and even a bit more protein for hens. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports overall health, helping them stay robust.

The fats provide energy, especially useful in colder weather, keeping them cozy and productive. And that extra protein helps support egg production and feather quality, keeping them looking and feeling great. Giving them a small amount can really enhance their overall health and vitality.

Feeding Sunflower Seeds Safely and How Much

Just like mealworms, moderation is key here. Sunflower seeds are quite high in fat. Too many can lead to weight gain or an unbalanced diet, which won’t help with laying. A small sprinkle (maybe a tablespoon or two per hen) a few times a week as a treat is plenty.

My girls absolutely love scratching through their litter to find every last seed – it’s a fun activity for them and a healthy boost from me. It’s definitely one of those nutrient-dense chicken snacks that they go wild for, making treat time a joy for everyone.

8. Leafy Greens: Simple Goodness from Your Kitchen

Got some extra spinach or dark leafy greens from your garden or kitchen? Don’t let them go to waste – your chickens will thank you with happy clucks and healthy eggs! These aren’t just healthy for us; they are fantastic for your flock too. Feeding greens is a simple, accessible way to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

The Vitamins and Minerals in Greens

Spinach, kale, collard greens, beet greens – they are all loaded with good stuff. They provide iron, which is important for blood health in busy layers, helping them maintain energy. Plus, they offer vitamins like A, C, and K. These vitamins support everything from vision to immune function, keeping your girls healthy and resilient.

A healthy hen is a laying hen, after all! Giving them a variety of greens helps ensure they get a wide range of micronutrients that might be lower in a strictly pellet-based diet. It’s a simple, natural way to help stimulate egg production naturally by supporting their foundational health.

Best Practices for Feeding Greens and How Much

I usually just toss a handful of washed greens into their run. They love to peck and shred them, turning a healthy snack into a fun activity. Just a note on spinach: it contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption if fed in massive quantities.

But honestly, as part of a varied diet and in moderation, it’s perfectly fine and beneficial. Don’t overthink it; just share some of your healthy greens! It’s another one of those easy foods that help chickens lay daily by boosting their nutrient intake and adding some fresh excitement to their day. You can offer a generous handful of mixed greens per hen a few times a week.

9. Pumpkin Power: More Than Just a Fall Treat

When autumn rolls around, most folks think of pumpkin pie. I think of happy chickens and healthy eggs! Pumpkin, both the flesh and the seeds, can be a fantastic addition to your flock’s diet. It’s more than just a seasonal treat; it offers some real benefits that contribute to their well-being and your egg basket.

Pumpkin Seeds and Natural Deworming

There’s an old belief that pumpkin seeds act as a natural dewormer. While I wouldn’t rely solely on them if you have a confirmed worm issue (always consult with a vet!), the seeds do contain cucurbitacin. This compound is thought to paralyze some intestinal parasites, helping the chicken pass them. So, while not a guaranteed fix, it’s a nice little bonus for keeping your flock healthy!

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin and How Much to Feed

Beyond the potential deworming effect, pumpkin flesh provides energy and vitamins. The seeds, however, are the real stars. They are a great source of healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Feeding your hens foods rich in omega-3s can actually result in omega 3 enriched eggs from feed! How cool is that? You can feed cooked or raw pumpkin flesh. Just cut it open and let them go to town, enjoying the sweet, soft texture. The seeds can be fed raw or lightly roasted (unsalted, of course).

It’s a great way to use up those post-holiday pumpkins and give your girls a healthy, nutrient-dense chicken snack that benefits both them and you! It’s definitely one of the foods that help chickens lay daily by boosting their nutritional profile and providing valuable fats for better eggs. A slice of pumpkin or a small scoop of seeds per hen a few times a week is plenty.

10. Scratch Grains for Chickens: A Treat, Not a Complete Meal

Okay, let’s talk about scratch grains. Almost everyone with chickens uses them, right? They are basically a mix of cracked corn, wheat, and other grains. Chickens absolutely LOVE scratching through the ground to find these tasty morsels – it’s their natural behavior and brings them joy.

The Purpose of Scratch Grains

Scratch grains provide quick energy, which can be particularly helpful during the winter months. That extra burst of calories helps them stay warm when it’s cold outside, keeping them comfortable. It’s a good tool for winter feeding for egg production, providing a little extra fuel when they need it most, but you have to be smart about it.

Why Moderation is Crucial with Scratch and How Much

Here’s the crucial part: scratch grains are NOT a complete feed. They are low in protein, vitamins, and minerals – all the things your hen needs to actually produce eggs. Think of scratch like candy for kids.

A little bit is fine, but you wouldn’t let them fill up on it instead of eating their dinner, would you? If your hens eat too much scratch, they’ll fill up on empty calories and won’t eat enough of their balanced layer feed. This dilutes their overall nutrition and will absolutely lead to a disappointing drop in egg production. So, offer scratch very sparingly, maybe just a small handful per hen in the afternoon, especially when it’s chilly. It’s a treat to encourage activity and provide a little warmth, not a primary source of chicken feed for egg production. Use it wisely!

11. The Gut Health Secret: Yogurt and Fermented Feed

Did you know that a chicken’s gut health is just as important as ours for their overall well-being and productivity? A healthy gut means a healthy hen, and a healthy hen is a productive layer! This is where probiotics come in, and you can easily provide them through yogurt or by fermenting their feed.

Probiotics for Better Digestion

Plain yogurt (make sure it has live and active cultures!) is a simple way to introduce beneficial bacteria into your flock’s diet. Just a spoonful per hen a few times a week can help support their digestive system. But if you want to get a little more advanced, try fermenting their regular layer feed. This involves soaking the feed in water for a couple of days, allowing beneficial bacteria to grow.

Benefits of Fermented Feed

The fermented chicken feed benefits are pretty awesome and can make a real difference. The probiotics help improve digestion. When their digestive system is working efficiently, your hens can absorb more nutrients from their regular chicken feed for egg production. This enhanced nutrient absorption means they are getting the most out of their diet, which directly supports their egg-laying nutrition and overall vitality.

It’s like giving their tummies a super boost, leading to healthier, happier hens! Plus, some chickens find fermented feed more palatable, which can encourage them to eat enough, especially picky eaters. For fermented feed, you can replace about 1/4 to 1/3 of their daily dry feed amount with the fermented version.

12. Smart Kitchen Scraps: Fueling Layers, Safely!

Okay, let’s talk about kitchen scraps. We all have them, and it feels good to reduce waste by sharing with our flock. But here’s the scoop: not all scraps are created equal for your laying hens. You need to be smart and selective about which ones you offer. The goal is to provide foods that help chickens lay daily, not just give them garbage that hinders their performance.

Beneficial Scraps for Chickens and How Much to Feed

Think of beneficial scraps as supplements to their main feed, adding extra goodness. Cooked rice or oats, leftover cooked vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, peas, corn – not raw potato or green peels!), and cooked beans (they must be cooked!) can offer extra energy, vitamins, and fiber. These contribute positively to their overall chicken diet for eggs. Offer scraps as a treat, not a main meal – a small cupful per hen a few times a week is plenty to provide a boost without unbalancing their diet.

Can chickens eat [specific food]?

This is a common question! While a comprehensive list is too long for here, remember the general rule: if it’s healthy and safe for you (excluding things like chocolate, excessive salt/sugar, or processed junk), it’s likely okay in moderation for chickens, but always double-check for known toxins like avocado pits/skins, raw beans, or green potato parts. Prioritize nutrient-dense options over fillers to ensure they’re getting valuable nutrition.

Kitchen Scraps to Absolutely Avoid

However, there’s a list of absolute no-nos you need to know to keep your flock safe and productive. Avoid anything spoiled or moldy – that’s just asking for trouble and potential illness. Steer clear of avocado pits and skins, which contain a substance toxic to birds. Green parts of potatoes and tomatoes are also a no-go. Raw beans contain a dangerous toxin, so cook them thoroughly if you share them. While small amounts of cooked onion or garlic are generally okay, large amounts can be problematic, so I tend to avoid them just to be safe.

Anything greasy, sugary, or heavily processed is also out. These are like junk food for chickens. They offer little to no nutritional value and, worse, they fill them up. When they fill up on junk, they eat less of their balanced chicken feed for egg production. This dilutes their overall chicken diet for eggs, leading to nutritional deficiencies and, you guessed it, fewer eggs. Stick to the beneficial foods we discussed earlier. Your hens will be healthier, happier, and much more productive layers, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re feeding them well!

13. Herbs: Nature’s Boost for Your Flock

Did you know that adding certain herbs to your chickens’ diet can offer some surprising health benefits and help them feel their best? It’s true! I’ve seen firsthand how incorporating simple herbs can support their well-being, which in turn helps with laying. We’re talking about herbs to increase egg laying by keeping your girls in tip-top shape and boosting their natural defenses.

Immune-Boosting and Anti-inflammatory Herbs

Garlic, oregano, and turmeric are three powerhouses I like to use. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, helping them fight off sniffles. Oregano has natural antimicrobial benefits, which can help keep their gut healthy and balanced. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory, supporting overall comfort and health. While some traditional sources suggest these directly stimulate laying, it’s more accurate to say they support the hen’s overall health.

A healthy hen is less stressed, fights off illness better, and therefore has more resources available for egg production. It’s a fantastic natural supplement for laying hens that works by promoting vitality and resilience.

How to Incorporate Herbs and How Much

You can add fresh herbs to their run for them to peck at, providing a fun and healthy foraging opportunity. Dried herbs can be mixed into their feed. Some people even add a little garlic powder or a turmeric paste (mixed with a healthy oil like coconut oil) to their treats. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to give their immune systems a little extra help and add a little natural goodness to their chicken diet for eggs. A small sprinkle of dried herbs or a few sprigs of fresh herbs per hen a few times a week is usually sufficient to provide benefits.

14. Chia and Flaxseeds: For Those Omega-3 Eggs!

If you’re interested in getting those highly sought-after omega 3 enriched eggs from feed, then adding chia or flaxseeds to your hens’ diet is an absolute game-changer! These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses, not just for us but for our feathered friends too, and they directly impact the quality of the eggs you collect.

The Omega-3 Advantage

Both chia and flaxseeds are incredibly high in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fats that support brain health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall vitality in your hens. For your layers, this means better energy levels and stamina, which are definitely needed for daily laying.

Adding Seeds to Their Diet and How Much

The really cool part? When chickens eat these seeds, they transfer those beneficial Omega-3s right into their eggs! So, you and your family get a nutritional boost every time you eat one of their delicious eggs – how amazing is that?! I usually mix a small amount of ground flaxseed or whole chia seeds into their fermented feed or sprinkle them on top of their regular layer feed a few times a week.

A little goes a long way. It’s a simple addition that benefits both the hen and the egg consumer. It’s a smart way to enhance their egg-laying nutrition and get extra healthy, marketable eggs. A teaspoon of seeds per hen per day, or a couple of teaspoons a few times a week, is a good starting point.

15. Fruits: A Sweet Treat with Benefits (In Moderation!)

Who doesn’t love a juicy piece of fruit? Your chickens do too! Offering fresh fruits can be a wonderful way to provide extra vitamins and much-needed hydration, especially when it’s hot. They are definitely a welcome, enjoyable addition to their chicken diet for eggs.

The Benefits of Fruit for Chickens

Think of colorful berries, refreshing melon chunks, or sweet pieces of apple (just be sure to remove the seeds!). These offer essential vitamins and a refreshing snack that they will absolutely love. The water content in fruits is a great bonus, helping keep them hydrated, which is surprisingly important for comfortable and consistent laying.

Important Fruit Safety Tips and How Much

However, fruits are also high in sugar. Too much sugar isn’t good for chickens, just like it’s not great for us and can lead to health issues. So, offer fruits strictly as a treat, maybe just a small amount a few times a week. And seriously, NEVER feed them apple seeds. Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic and dangerous. Always core apples and discard the seeds before sharing.

Given in moderation, fruits are a delightful and healthy addition to their nutrient-dense chicken snacks. They are one of the simple foods that help chickens lay daily by adding variety, key nutrients, and a little bit of joy to their day. A small piece or a few berries per hen a couple of times a week is plenty.

Beyond the Bowl: Smart Feeding Strategies

Knowing what to feed your chickens is half the battle to boosting egg production. The other half is knowing how and when to feed them to get the best chicken food to lay more eggs results. It’s about creating a routine that supports their natural cycles and nutritional needs throughout the day and across the seasons, maximizing their potential.

Establishing a Daily Feeding Routine

My golden rule is always: layer feed first! Make sure your hens have access to their complete layer feed throughout the day. This ensures they get all the essential protein, vitamins, and minerals they need for optimal egg-laying nutrition. I typically wait until the afternoon to offer any treats or supplements, like those mealworms, BSFL, or kitchen scraps.

This way, I know they’ve filled up on their balanced chicken feed for egg production first, getting the most important nutrients. And please, please, PLEASE make sure they have fresh, clean water available at all times. Water is critical for egg formation and overall health!

Adjusting Feeding for the Seasons

Feeding also changes with the seasons, and smart adjustments can help maintain production. Winter feeding for egg production requires a slightly different approach. Laying often slows down or stops in winter due to reduced daylight hours, not just cold. While extra light can help, providing a little more energy is also key. A small amount of scratch grains in the late afternoon can give them extra calories to burn overnight, helping them stay warm and comfortable.

But remember, moderation is crucial! Also, hens typically molt (replace their feathers) before winter, which requires a lot of protein. Ensure their feed is adequate during this time to support feather growth. In the summer, focus on hydration. Offer cool water, watery fruits, or even frozen treats made from safe ingredients to help them beat the heat. Adjusting their diet slightly based on the weather helps keep them healthy, comfortable, and productive year-round.

Beyond Diet: Other Factors Affecting Egg Laying

While getting their chicken diet for eggs right is fundamental to boosting production, sometimes a frustrating dip isn’t just about the food bowl. Several other factors can significantly influence how many eggs your hens are laying, and it’s important to consider these possibilities.

• Age: Just like us, chickens don’t lay forever at peak performance. Most breeds are most productive in their first 1-2 years. Production will naturally decline as they get older – it’s just a fact of life!
• Stress: Chickens are surprisingly sensitive creatures! Changes in their environment, introducing new flock members, predator scares, or even consistent loud noises can stress them out and cause them to stop laying. A calm environment is key!
• Molting: This is the natural process where hens shed their old feathers and grow new ones, usually once a year, often in the fall. It requires a lot of energy and protein, so they typically stop or significantly reduce laying during this time to put all that energy into feather growth. It’s a necessary break!
• Disease or Parasites: An unhealthy hen simply won’t be a laying hen. Illnesses or internal/external parasites can divert her energy away from egg production as her body fights off the issue. Keeping a close eye on their general health and practicing good biosecurity is important for preventing these problems.
• Daylight Hours: Chickens need a certain amount of light (around 14-16 hours) to stimulate egg production. As daylight naturally decreases in the fall and winter, their laying will naturally slow down or stop unless supplemental light is provided. It’s their biological clock!
• Broodiness: Sometimes a hen decides she wants to be a mama, even without a rooster! A broody hen will sit on eggs (even if they aren’t fertile) and stop laying. You’ll need to “break” her broodiness gently if you want her to start laying again.

What Not to Feed Your Laying Hens

Just as important as knowing the best chicken food to lay more eggs is understanding what can actually harm your flock or completely hinder their production. Feeding the wrong things can cause serious health problems or simply fill them up on stuff that provides zero egg-laying nutrition, wasting their valuable intake.

Toxic Foods to Absolutely Avoid

We touched on some of these earlier, but they bear repeating because they are that important for your flock’s safety. Absolutely avoid avocado pits and skins; they are toxic and dangerous. Green parts of potatoes and tomatoes are also a no-go. Raw beans contain a dangerous toxin, so cook them thoroughly if you share them. While small amounts of cooked onion or garlic are generally okay, large amounts can be problematic, so I tend to avoid them just to be safe.

Why Junk Treats Sabotage Egg Laying

Beyond the outright toxic stuff, steer clear of moldy or spoiled food – if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t give it to your chickens! Also, resist the urge to share salty snacks, sugary treats, or processed human foods. These are like junk food for chickens. They offer little to no nutritional value and, worse, they fill them up.

When they fill up on junk, they eat less of their balanced chicken feed for egg production. This dilutes their overall chicken diet for eggs, leading to nutritional deficiencies and, you guessed it, fewer eggs. Stick to the beneficial, nutrient-dense foods we discussed earlier. Your hens will be healthier, happier, and much more productive layers, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re providing them with the best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wrapping It Up (Plus a Little Challenge!)

So, there you have it! The secret to getting those egg baskets overflowing isn’t really a secret at all – it’s about smart, intentional feeding. It boils down to providing a top-notch chicken diet for eggs. Start with a high-quality chicken feed for egg production, make sure they have plenty of calcium from something like oyster shells for those perfect shells, and then supplement wisely with nutrient-dense additions. Things like BSFL, mealworms, moringa, alfalfa, pumpkin seeds, leafy greens, chia/flaxseeds, and even small amounts of safe fruits can make a real, positive difference in their health and laying.

Key Takeaways for Boosting Egg Production

• Start with a high-quality chicken feed for egg production (16-18% protein) as the essential base.
• Provide free-choice calcium (like oyster shells) for strong, beautiful eggshells.
• Supplement with protein-rich treats like BSFL and mealworms in moderation – they’ll love you for it!
• Add nutrient powerhouses like moringa and alfalfa for overall health and vibrant yolk color.
• Share safe kitchen scraps and leafy greens for extra vitamins and minerals, reducing waste and boosting health.
• Consider pumpkin seeds for potential natural deworming and those amazing Omega-3s in your eggs.
• Use scratch grains sparingly – they are treats for energy, not a complete meal!
• Support gut health with yogurt or fermented feed for better nutrient absorption.
• Add herbs like garlic, oregano, and turmeric for immune support and vitality.
• Include chia or flaxseeds for highly sought-after omega 3 enriched eggs from feed.
• Offer safe fruits in moderation for vitamins and hydration, especially in warm weather.
• Maintain consistent feeding routines and adjust for seasons to keep them happy and productive.
• Crucially, know and avoid toxic foods and junk scraps to keep your flock safe and healthy.

Your Turn: Track and Share!

Here’s a little challenge for you: try implementing some of these feeding tips consistently for a few weeks. Maybe start tracking your egg count before and after. I bet you’ll see a noticeable, rewarding improvement! It’s incredibly rewarding to see your girls thrive and reward you with beautiful, nutritious eggs.

What foods worked best for your flock? Have you tried any of these or discovered other egg-boosting favorites that your girls adore? Let us know! Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – let’s learn from each other!