If you’re a chicken owner, you know that one of the most important aspects of raising chickens is making sure they lay plenty of eggs. To ensure that your hens are laying to their full potential, you need to provide them with the right nutrition. In this article, we’ll explore the best food to make chickens lay.
Before we dive into the specifics of chicken feed, it’s important to note that the age of your hens plays a critical role in their egg production. Young hens (under six months old) typically don’t lay as many eggs as mature hens. Additionally, the amount of daylight your chickens receive also affects their egg production. Chickens require around 14-16 hours of daylight to lay eggs consistently.
Now, let’s discuss the best food to make chickens lay. The primary nutrients that chickens need to produce eggs are protein, calcium, and other minerals and vitamins. The ideal chicken feed should contain around 16-20% protein and 3-4% calcium.
Protein is essential for the development of the egg, and it’s also important for maintaining the health of the chicken. You can provide protein to your chickens through a variety of sources, including soybeans, alfalfa, and mealworms. Commercial chicken feed typically contains a balanced amount of protein and other nutrients, making it an easy and convenient option.
Calcium is critical for the formation of eggshells. If your hens aren’t getting enough calcium, they may lay eggs with thin or weak shells, or they may stop laying altogether. To ensure that your hens are getting enough calcium, you can provide them with oyster shells or crushed eggshells. You can also add calcium supplements to their feed.
In addition to protein and calcium, it’s important to ensure that your hens are getting a balanced diet that includes other essential nutrients. Commercial chicken feed typically contains a mix of grains, such as corn and wheat, as well as vitamins and minerals. You can also supplement your chickens’ diet with fresh vegetables and fruits.
In conclusion, the best food to make chickens lay includes a balanced amount of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Commercial chicken feed is an easy and convenient option that provides a balanced diet for your hens. However, you can also supplement their diet with other protein sources and fresh fruits and vegetables. By providing your chickens with the right nutrition, you can ensure that they lay plenty of healthy, delicious eggs.