Raising Chickens For Eggs? Essential Tips!

Are you planning to start raising chickens for eggs? Or, have you begun the journey already and are wondering what it takes to get really good at it? Either way, I have so much lined up for you in this article.

There are not many things in life that are as rewarding as raising your own backyard chickens. The endeavor is not only a great stress release but also allows you to impact nature positively, with the promise of getting fresh, nutritious eggs in return.

In this article, I will explore the benefits of raising backyard hens for eggs, what species make the best layers, the different variables that can affect egg production, and so much more, so let’s dive right in.

Benefits of Raising Chickens for Eggs

So why would you invest all the time and effort in raising backyard hens in the first place? Is it worth it in the end?

Well, there are several reasons (in my humble opinion) why having your backyard flock is worth all the effort and resources that go into it:

• You Get Fresh Eggs!: Your backyard chickens will supply you with fresh eggs, something you’re not guaranteed when buying them from the grocery store.
• It Can Bring You Money: If you intend to raise chickens on a large scale, you can get some decent returns from selling the eggs at farmers markets or to friends and family. Plus, getting eggs from your own pet chickens saves you money by reducing grocery expenses.
• It’s Satisfying: Keeping chickens is therapeutic, as it brings a touch of farm life into your home and gives you a unique way to connect with nature, allowing you to avoid or navigate stress and anxiety.
• It’s Educational: Raising chickens provides an opportunity to teach children responsibility at a young age.

Ultimately, raising chickens offers numerous advantages that go beyond simply producing nutritious eggs. 

Choosing The Right Breed for Eggs

When it comes to egg laying capabilities, chickens aren’t created equal. Some are more prolific layers than others; some exceptionally good as meat birds than others, while others are meant to do well as either.

Here are some of the most prolific layers:

• Rhode Island Red: They produce 4 to 6 light-brown eggs weekly, giving you between 250 to 300 eggs per year.
• Leghorns: These excellent layers produce 5 to 6 white-shelled eggs weekly, translating to 280 to 320 eggs annually.
• Australorps: Expect at least 250 eggs from this Australian chicken breed, usually coming with medium-brown shells.
• Plymouth Rocks: The breed produces 180 to 280 large, brown eggs each year, making it one of the most reliable layers out there.
• Sussex: The English breed can produce 200 to 250 light-brown eggs by the close of the year. 

Each of these breeds are good laying hens. But before you choose any of them, pay attention to other factors like climate, space availability, and whether you need a calm, friendly breed in case of children.

Ideal Space Needs for Egg Production

Besides getting the right breed, have adequate space for your chickens. The amount of space your chickens can access will determine whether they will live a healthy, happy life, consequently affecting their egg production.

The coop must be spacious enough to accommodate all your chickens without causing stress. At Pet Chicken, we always recommend at least 3 square feet of coop space and 8 square feet of outdoor space for every pet chicken you have. 

And even more critical is ensuring that the coop is predator-proof. I won’t delve into lots of details on that as I already did in our previous article on how to make your chicken coop predator-proof.

Also, include roosting bars for your chickens. That’s where your birds will want to spend their time sleeping, so ensure you have an adequate number of them. As for the nesting boxes, target 1 for every 3 or 4 egg-laying hens.

Factors Affecting Egg Production

Egg production can fluctuate due to several other factors besides the breed. To ensure maximum output, it’s important to understand these variables, as that allows you to know how to support your flock.

They include:

1. Age

Most chickens begin to lay eggs at 18 to 22 weeks. Initially, the laying comes less often, and the eggs are usually small. However, with time, the size and the number gradually increase to the breed standard and remain at the top level for 1 to 3 years before it starts to decline progressively. 

2. Diet

What you give your backyard hens to eat will dictate the quality and quantity of eggs they produce. Feed your chickens a good diet for more eggs and better quality. Ideally, you will want to target a diet high in protein and calcium. 

As for proteins, it’s possible for your chickens to get their daily requirement from their regular feed and the bugs they catch as they free range. 

However, for calcium, they need more of it than they’ll probably obtain from daily feed (each egg contains 1.5 grams to 2 grams of calcium). 

That’s where the need for supplements comes in. Most chicken keepers prefer offering crushed oyster shells as a calcium supplement, which works perfectly. As long as your chickens have a good diet with a healthy amount of protein and calcium, expect eggs with deep yellow yolks and stronger shells. 

And as you offer all that, remember to also provide access to clean drinking water, as dehydration can have adverse effects on egg production.

3. Light Exposure

A chicken’s laying habit hugely depends on light availability. Hens need more light to produce more eggs, which is why productivity goes down, and some chickens even stop laying, during the shorter days of winter. 

To optimize egg production, ensure that your chickens get at least 14 to 16 hours of light per day. That means if you want the most eggs, you may have to leave the artificial lighting on for a few hours after sunset to prolong the time your birds have access to light. 

4. Health

Sicknesses and parasites like lice, worms, and mites can reduce egg production. Regularly inspect your chickens for any signs of pests and sicknesses. 

Monitor your chickens to see if you notice any unusual behavior. Lethargy, lack of appetite, inactivity, isolation, and unusual vocalizations could be clear signs of sickness or parasite infestation. 

5. Stress

Sudden changes in environment, temperature, overcrowding, and predator threats can increase the stress level in chickens, reducing their egg production. Ensure you keep your flock’s space secure and calm to ensure optimal egg production.

Why Raising Chickens for Eggs is Perfect for Your Backyard

Raising chickens for eggs can be a fun, rewarding, and sustainable practice. If you want a reliable supply of fresh, healthy eggs, a way to manage pests, or a family-friendly hobby, raising backyard hens is an excellent practice. While it comes with lots of responsibility and high initial costs, raising chickens for eggs is generally worth the effort and investment in the long haul.