If you’re considering raising your own chickens, you’re probably wondering what to feed chicken to lay more eggs. You can try oyster shell, cracked corn, or Alfalfa hay. All of these options contain the nutrients your hens need to lay healthy eggs. However, some are not suitable for chickens. For example, avocado, citrus fruits, tomato stems, and tins are toxic to chickens. In addition, you should keep your chickens away from table scraps.
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Oyster shell
Besides oysters, hens need calcium to create a strong egg shell. A consistent supply of calcium is critical for the production of hard shell eggs. To supply calcium to chickens, crush oyster shell into pellets and feed them that. Make sure to buy oyster shell that is heat treated to ensure purity. You can buy crushed oysters at a feed store but you might need to order a minimum quantity.
The best way to introduce oyster shell to your hen’s diet is when it is about 18 weeks old. Providing it to your chicken before that age could cause damage to its kidneys. Oyster shells should be separated from the other foods and fed only to the chickens as needed. Mixing oyster shell with regular chicken food can lead to a risk of overfeeding and serious health problems.
Layer feed
It is crucial to provide your chickens with a diet rich in nutrients for laying eggs. Layer feeds should comprise at least 90 percent of the hen’s diet and include calcium for strong shells, amino acids for egg quality, and vitamins and minerals. Supplemental feeds can include good-quality table scraps and oyster shells. However, this can dilute the complete nutrition contained in pellets and may negatively affect your hen’s health.
When choosing a layer feed, make sure it contains a high amount of protein. At least one fourth of the ration should contain protein. The majority of layers’ diets are made with 16% protein. You can add vitamins and mineral premixes at a later stage. Once you have the correct mix, give your hens a free choice. They will be happier and lay more eggs than ever before.
Cracked corn
Providing cracked corn to your chicken will help it produce heat, making it a great choice for colder weather. Many chicken lovers also feed cracked corn to their chickens during the winter months to provide them with added energy. In an enclosed coop, however, this type of food will not pose a problem. In the wild, cracked corn will pose health risks, so make sure to limit the amount your chicken consumes.
While cracked corn is a healthy treat for your chicken, you’ll find that it’s not enough to meet their nutritional needs. They need other foods high in protein and other nutrients to stay healthy. While cracked corn is a good source of carbohydrates, it does not meet all their nutritional needs, and can cause obesity in your chicken. So feed your chicken crackers sparingly, as this may encourage foraging behavior.
Alfalfa hay
While most hens are not allowed to eat too much alfalfa hay, it is still a nutritious food for them. To increase their dietary intake, you can provide dehydrated alfalfa as a part of their diet. The hay is packed with protein and should be fed in moderation. In addition, it contains carotenoids that make the egg yolks a deeper orange color. It also contains high fiber content, which means that it passes through the digestive tract slower than most other ingredients.
The leaves of alfalfa plant are eaten by both humans and animals. Chickens can eat alfalfa hay in moderation, especially if it is cut into different sizes. This way, the chickens can chew the fibers and enjoy its nutritious benefits without causing any health issues. Alfalfa is also an excellent way to supplement chicken protein. It can help your chickens maintain a good yolk color and increase fertility.
Scratch grains
There are a variety of different types of scratch grains for chickens. These grains are like dessert to humans, and poultry are no different. You can buy scratch grains that are organic or non-GMO, and you can even purchase varieties that are soy-free. Just remember to mix them together thoroughly before giving them to your flock. Once they are fed scratch grains, you can rest assured they will lay more eggs.
To encourage your chickens to lay more eggs, scatter scratch grains on the floor in the late afternoon. Make sure that they finish their entire meal. Don’t forget to give them as much as they can finish in fifteen to twenty minutes. This way, they won’t get bored and won’t go to the coop looking for more food. You’ll notice a dramatic difference in your flock’s production of eggs.
Mealworms
Mealworms are an excellent source of protein for your laying hen. Dried mealworms have more than 50% protein. Most laying hens need about 16% protein in their diet while growing chickens need 20-22% protein. Additionally, mealworms provide the chicken with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for optimal performance. In addition, they are easy to add to your chicken’s diet.
First, prepare your substrate. Mealworms prefer a temperature of 17-81deg F. Any higher than this may kill them and any lower than this will stunt their growth. The substrate needs to be filled about two inches deep. Popular substrates include wheat bran, rolled oats, dried grass, and herbivore manures. You can also use cereal crumbs, but you should avoid diatomaceous earth as it will kill the worms.
