Backyard Chicken - Mature Hens: It’s Egg-laying Time

Mature Hens: It’s Egg-laying Time

Now that your hens are laying, you’ve entered the fun phase that we like to call “pets with benefits!” Not only will your hens make you smile, they’ll also make you breakfast. Take time to observe your farm fresh eggs. You’ll likely notice vibrant yolks, stiff whites and exceptional flavor. You can begin to expect nearly one egg each day per laying hen. High-producing hens can lay up to 300 eggs per year; however, most hens will lay about 200–250 eggs.
Six eggs per week: It takes approximately 25 hours for a hen to produce one egg, so six eggs per week is an ideal goal. Breed, housing, weather, management, parasite load and nutrition can all affect your hen’s rate of lay.
Feed them what they need: Hens are now channeling many of their nutrients into their eggs. Not only does flock nutrition impact the eggs they produce, it also contributes to each hen’s overall health. To provide the nutrients she needs, continue feeding free-choice complete layer feed. Refill the feeders in the morning and evening.
A complete layer feed can also bring your eggs to the next level. For strong, protective shells, make sure your layer feed includes Purina’s Oyster Strong® System. The large particle calcium breaks down slowly, so hens receive calcium when they need it most — when they are forming eggshells at night.
Another way to level-up your eggs is with omega-3. Hens are excellent at channeling nutrients from their feed into their eggs. By feeding Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3, hens can produce eggs with 250 mg omega-3 fatty acids per egg.
Chicken Eggs
Eggs in photo laid by Buff Orpington and Barred Rock hens.
2When fed a diet of Layena® Plus Omega-3 exclusively for at least 3 weeks. Based on large egg (56 g). Results may vary with factors such as total diet and hen health. A typical store bought egg contains 50 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per large Egg (USDA: National Nutrient Base).
Chicken Feed
Introduce treats: Mature hens can be offered treats and snacks, like the Purina® Flock Block™, Purina® Scratch Grains or table scraps. Be sure to not overdo them, though. If you feed high levels of treats, hens will likely eat more of them than their fortified feed causing them to miss out on essential nutrients.
Consistent lighting: Egg production is impacted by light. When days get shorter, egg production naturally decreases. To maintain consistent performance, provide at least 16 hours of light per day with one incandescent 25- or 40-watt or LED 3-9 watt bulb per 100 square feet of coop space. Use an automatic timer to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Ensure cold weather comfort: Birds will spend more time inside the coop during fall and winter. Ensure a comfortable space and prevent boredom by providing 5–10 square feet per bird, adequate feed and water space, access to a dust bath, fun coop toys and a place for them to peck, like a Purina® Flock Block™.
Chickens, especially cold-tolerant breeds, can withstand winter temperatures without supplemental heat.
• Provide plenty of food and water that doesn’t freeze.
• Keep the coop draft-free, but don’t seal it completely. Some air needs to be exchanged to prevent ammonia buildup.
• Keep the coop dry. Remove any wet spots in the litter.
• If you feel it is necessary to provide a source of heat, only provide enough heat to raise the temperature a few degrees. The hens will adjust to the cold temperature.
Purina Treats
Flock health: Through all ages, be sure to practice good flock biosecurity. Prevent access between wild birds and your flock and always wash your hands thoroughly after spending time with your birds. Bird symptoms of illness may include: decreased feed consumption, huddling, depression, closed eyes, respiratory signs (such as coughing and sneezing), watery greenish diarrhea, excessive thirst or swollen wattles and combs. Look for birds with their feathers fluffed out from their body. Be observant of your flock. Understand the personalities and mannerisms of your birds so that you will notice a change when something isn’t right. If you notice any signs of illness, contact your local veterinarian. The earlier you can detect a problem, the easier it is to resolve.
Celebrate egg laying season by visiting your local Purina® retailer. Many stores host Purina® Flock-Tober® festivities each fall.
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