How to keep your chickens healthy and increase egg production

As a backyard chicken owner, you must have asked yourself: Why have some of my chickens stopped laying eggs? Unfortunately, there are no straightforward answers, as you probably already found out. However, you can list causes and effects, look at some common prevention factors, and have excellent healthy chickens and edible eggs with little effort. Always keep in mind that healthy and happy chickens lay more eggs.

Common reasons for declining egg production include reduced day length, improper nutrition, disease, advancing age, and stress. By following these recommendations, you can increase egg production.

Cleanliness is your best friend!

There are a few things you can do to keep your flock clean. First, you can clean your coop daily or when needed. For some breeders, this is a straightforward task that is as routine as brushing your teeth. You can also use some other inventive methods. A trending solution for breeders who breed chickens for eggs is the deep litter method. The deep litter method means that your chickens inside and outside the coop have a deep layer of bedding (several inches thick). Standard bedding that you can use is a layer of wood shavings. To properly maintain and compost the bedding, you must add wood shavings each time the chicken litter is visible and has a slight odor. Over time, your layer of bedding will accumulate. 2-3 times a year, the bedding is then wholly or partially removed and composted in the garden or buried in the yard. The key here is adding the material that provides cleanliness, dryness, and odor removal. In the end, you get compostable matter that can be used in various ways. The decomposition process releases heat and is a natural insulator, which helps to keep your flock warm during colder seasons.

To further keep your chickens healthy and your breeding efficient and carefree, keep the coop dry by securing the waterer from tipping over, be it outside or inside the coop. Also, regularly clean the feeders and waterers to maintain good health so that harmful bacteria and viruses cannot breed.

Be aware of diseases

As a chicken owner, you can unknowingly bring diseases into your flock. Germs can travel on your clothes, shoes, or through newly introduced birds that may already be infected. Always buy chicks from reputable hatcheries that vaccinate against common diseases. Good hygiene is essential—clean your shoes and clothes regularly to protect your flock. If visitors come into contact with your chickens, ensure they haven’t recently visited other flocks and have clean clothing and footwear.

Allowing free-range time is vital for your chickens’ mental and physical well-being. Chickens love to scratch the ground and dust bathe, so provide a dry, pest-free dust area. Always supervise them outdoors and protect them from predators. For added safety, use a Run-Chicken automatic coop door. If your coop feels crowded, consider expanding it and adding insulation to regulate temperature. A well-ventilated, temperature-controlled coop keeps chickens healthy and reduces stress.

Feed your flock nutritious, non-processed food and avoid spoiled scraps. During winter or drought, supplement their diet with dried bugs or worms. Spend time interacting with your chickens daily so they become familiar and calm around you. It’s also wise to let them get used to other caretakers in case you’re away.

By keeping your flock clean, comfortable, and well-fed, you’ll enjoy healthy, happy chickens and fresh eggs.

While your chickens sleep, take a fun quiz to discover 20 surprising facts about these amazing birds. Wishing you a joyful and stress-free chicken-keeping experience!