Have you ever wondered how to increase egg yield in chickens using organic supplements? Whether you’re a beginner chicken keeper or homesteader, organic supplements for chickens can do wonders for increasing egg production.
Plus, they are also great for keeping your flock healthy. This happens by strengthening their immune systems and preventing certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
If you are already proactively caring for your chickens properly and feeding them a healthy diet, then it’s worth giving organic supplements a try to help your chickens to lay more eggs.
Benefits of Organic Supplements for Chickens
Chickens can benefit from organic supplements for various reasons, but most noticeably for;
- improved egg production
- better digestion
- stronger immune systems
- better quality egg shells
Although supplements cannot make chickens lay an abnormally large number of eggs if it’s not typical of their breed, they can still be used to increase egg yield in all breeds. This also includes the best egg laying chickens, such as the Rhode Island Red, Sussex, and Australorp.
But how do organic supplements help chickens lay more eggs? Hens will naturally experience an increase in egg production if they are healthy and well-cared for. Supplements work by improving the overall health and well-being of chickens by providing them with essential nutrients that can help prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Furthermore, some supplements, such as herbs, can help maintain hormonal balance, which is necessary for regular egg production.
5 of the Best Organic Supplements for Chickens to Increase Egg Yield
Let’s get into the nitty gritty now with 5 of the best places for you to get started with organic supplements. You will find more info on these below.
- Crushed Oyster Shells
- Crushed Limestone
- Insect Protein
- Flaxseed
- Herbs
Crushed Oyster Shells
Laying hens need high levels of calcium to produce strong, viable eggshells. The formation of the egg depletes a lot of calcium in the body, making organic calcium supplements an essential part of every laying hen’s diet.
A calcium deficiency can cause a severe decline in egg yield. It may cause the body to prioritize calcium for essential bodily functions over egg production too. It could also cause the eggs to have weaker shells or other quality issues. One way to combat a calcium deficiency is to offer organic supplements containing high levels of calcium.
Crushed oyster shells are a notably rich source of calcium at about 38%. You can offer it in the form of a commercial supplement or by baking and crushing the oyster shells yourself into a fine powder. I prefer adding the crushed oyster shells into a separate feeding container inside of the coop and refilling as necessary. This gives chickens the option to eat the oyster shells whenever they feel they need to top up on calcium.
Crushed Limestone
If you want to have some of the best egg laying chickens, I recommend adding calcium supplements to their diet. Limestone is another great alternative to crushed oyster shells and contains about 38% calcium.
It’s already a common ingredient in many types of chicken feed to increase the calcium content. It’s also one of the more affordable calcium supplements available and contains other beneficial minerals in addition to calcium.
Limestone is highly digestible and contains traces of magnesium, iron, potassium, and manganese, which are important for supporting enzyme functions and maintaining healthy bones and eggshell formation. It can either be mixed into the feed or offered in a separate container for your chickens to consume as needed.
Insect Protein
A laying hen’s diet should consist of between 16-18% protein, making organic protein supplements crucial for the formation of strong shells, egg development, and increasing egg yield. Protein sources such as mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly larvae are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, fat, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
I find that insect-based protein is one of the best sources of protein for chickens because it is highly digestible and bioavailable, meaning that chickens can easily absorb and utilize the nutrients.
Chickens do not need extra protein regularly, so insect protein can be offered up to three times a week to maintain good egg production. You can offer insects in either a dry form or as live feeders from a pet store.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of the healthiest organic supplements for chickens. It is packed with essential nutrients like omega-3, protein, fat, fiber, and antioxidants that support vital body functions such as digestion, skin, egg production, and more.
Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the nutritional profile of the eggs and make them healthier for human consumption. The antioxidants in flaxseeds can help boost the immune system and prevent diseases that could affect egg production. Flaxseeds also contain metabolizable energy, which can help to make hens more productive egg layers.
You can include ground flaxseed or oil into your chicken’s diet by mixing it with their regular feed or offering it in a separate dish with other organic supplements such as limestone or crushed oyster shells as I do.
Herbs
Believe it or not, certain herbs such as marjoram, clover, dandelion, and marigolds, can increase egg production and offer other important benefits to chickens! Plus, they are completely natural and safe to feed if prepared correctly.
- Marjoram: marjoram is an excellent laying stimulant with antibacterial properties. It may be beneficial against certain harmful bacteria such as E.coli and Staphylococcus, which could cause infections that reduce egg production. It’s best to offer marjoram in a dry form to your chicken’s feed.
- Clover: Clover is a source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C which can benefit a chicken’s overall health. These nutrients are important for egg laying hens and help to prevent deficiencies that could affect egg production and quality.
- Dandelion: This is one of my favorite herbs because all parts of dandelions are nutritious for chickens and offer numerous health benefits like immune-boosting, improved digestive health, and natural detoxification properties by acting as a diuretic.
- Marigold: Marigolds have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits that can improve respiratory and digestive health.
You Can Increase Egg Yield in Your Flock Now!
A healthy hen is going to be able to lay more quality eggs consistently, even for some of the best egg laying chickens who already lay a large number of eggs annually.
Organic supplements such as crushed oyster shells, limestone, insect proteins, flaxseeds, and certain herbs can enhance egg production and quality in laying hens while also benefiting overall health. They provide essential nutrients needed for consistent egg laying and naturally increase egg yield in laying hens.
My website is community supported. This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission. This never changes the cost to you. I only recommend items trusted and loved by myself and others in the world of Pet Chickens.
Getting Started with Organic Chicken Supplements: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is organic chicken feed more expensive for beginners in the US?
Yes, organic chicken feed, including supplements, is generally more expensive than conventional feed. This is due to the higher cost of producing organic ingredients. However, I have got to tell you that I strongly believe the benefits of organic feed, such as improved chicken health and higher-quality eggs, outweigh the extra cost.
Q: Where can I find organic chicken feed and supplements in the US?
Organic chicken feed and supplements can be purchased at various locations in the US:
- Local Feed Stores: Many independent feed stores carry a selection of organic options.
- Online Retailers: Online retailers like Amazon, Chewy, and specialty farm supply stores offer a wide variety of organic feeds and supplements.
- Local Farmers Markets: Some local farmers may sell organic feed or supplements they produce themselves.
- Coop Supply Stores: Stores specializing in chicken keeping supplies often carry organic options.
Q: Are there any specific organic supplements recommended for increasing egg yield in chickens in the US?
Yes, several organic supplements can help increase egg yield in chickens. I have put some affiliate links here to my favourite products:
- Crushed Oyster Shells: A rich source of calcium for strong eggshells.
- Limestone: Another excellent calcium source, often more affordable than oyster shells.
- Insect Protein: Provides high-quality protein for egg development (consider mealworms, crickets, or black soldier fly larvae).
- Flaxseed: Offers omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients.
Q: How can I safely incorporate herbs into my chickens' diet?
- Fresh Herbs: Collect fresh herbs from your garden (if you have one) or purchase from a reputable source. Ensure they are free from pesticides and herbicides. Wash thoroughly before offering to your chickens.
- Dried Herbs: Purchase dried herbs specifically formulated for chickens. These are often available at feed stores or online.
- Herb Blends: Some companies offer pre-made herb blends for chickens, which can be a convenient option.
Q: What breeds of chickens are known for being good egg layers?
Some of the best egg-laying chicken breeds popular in the US include:
Remember that even the best egg layers will benefit from a healthy diet, including organic supplements, and a stress-free environment.
