3. Calcium: The Secret to Strong Eggshells
Eggshells are primarily made of calcium, so a deficiency can lead to weak or soft eggshells. Providing crushed oyster shells, limestone grit, or finely ground cooked eggshells ensures hens have access to this critical mineral when they need it.
Keep a separate dish for calcium supplements rather than mixing it into their feed. This allows hens to regulate their intake naturally, preventing both deficiency and excess calcium intake, which can lead to kidney issues.
4. The Importance of Space and Free-Range Benefits
Overcrowding can lead to stress, bullying, and decreased egg production.
Each hen should have at least 0.5 square meters of space inside the coop and one square meter in an outdoor run. The more space they have to move, the healthier they will be.
Free-ranging or providing a secure outdoor area allows chickens to forage for natural foods such as insects, seeds, and greens, which not only supplement their diet but also keep them mentally stimulated and active.
5. Preventing Pests and Parasites: A Must for Healthy Hens
Parasites such as mites, lice, and worms can weaken hens and significantly reduce egg production.
You should perform monthly health checks by inspecting their feathers, skin, and legs. Keep bedding fresh, use anti-parasitic powders, and consider natural deterrents such as diatomaceous earth in the nesting boxes.
Regular deworming may also be necessary, especially if your chickens have access to outdoor areas where they might pick up parasites from wild birds.
6. A Clean Coop Equals a Healthy Flock
A dirty coop is a breeding ground for bacteria and ammonia buildup, which can harm your chickens’ respiratory health and overall well-being.
Cleaning the coop regularly like removing droppings, replacing bedding, and disinfecting nesting areas will help prevent disease. Removable trays under perches make cleaning easier, while proper ventilation ensures fresh air circulation inside the coop.
Also, investing in high-quality, absorbent bedding like straw or pine shavings also helps control moisture and odors.
7. Molting Season: Supporting Your Hens Through the Change
Molting is a natural process where hens shed old feathers and grow new ones, typically occurring in late summer or early fall. During this time, energy that would normally go into egg production is redirected toward feather regrowth, which can cause a temporary drop in egg laying……….
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