4 Ways to Increase Egg Production in Layer Chickens

Layer chickens are often raised for their eggs. Besides being raised for meat, chickens are also farmed specifically for eggs. Quality eggs come from layer breeds, while chicken meat comes from broilers. A common problem in layer farming is that the hens lay few eggs, and small ones. That is why farmers need to know how to increase egg production so their chickens lay plenty of quality eggs. Buyers are usually very selective about the eggs they eat, so if your hens produce lower-quality eggs, they may not sell well. Here is how to make layer chickens more productive:

Also read 4 Most Lucrative Benefits of a Broiler Chicken Farming Business

Good Layer Coop Management

Before you start raising layer chickens, you should have good coop management in place. The coop plays an important role in any laying hen farm. You need to prepare this management from the time the birds are chicks, or DOC. Poor coop management can keep chickens from growing and developing to their full potential. The size of your coop must also match the number of chicks you plan to raise.

Nutritious Chicken Feed

The next way to increase layer productivity is to give nutritious feed. Feed has a major effect on your chickens' growth and development. Without enough nutrition, chickens struggle to develop and to be productive. The nutrients chicken feed must provide are protein, energy, calcium, minerals and fat; when these needs are well met, layer hens can lay plenty of quality eggs. Focus on combining nutritious foods so your chickens become more productive.

Also read 5 Layer Chicken Management Practices for High Productivity

Check the Drinkers

Besides food, water is also essential for keeping chickens healthy and productive. Sometimes farmers focus only on feeding and forget to check the drinkers. Yet a chicken's drinker should never be empty. Water plays a key role in breaking down nutrients in the chicken's body so they can be absorbed quickly. So always check the drinkers at least once every 3 hours. Keep them clean so the chickens don't swallow any bacteria.

Watch Out for Disease

Like broilers, layer chickens are highly vulnerable to a range of diseases. Anything involving living creatures carries a high risk of death, so it is important to stay alert to the threat of disease. Diseases that can strike layer hens include EDS 76 (egg drop syndrome), infectious bronchitis, which attacks the respiratory tract, and ND (Newcastle disease), whose symptoms include constant sneezing, difficulty breathing, snoring sounds and visible weakness. To protect your chickens from all of these diseases, you can vaccinate them and give them vitamins. You should also provide complete, well-balanced nutrition to strengthen their immune system.

Also read Layer Chicks and the Nutritional Value of the Eggs They Produce

Making your chickens more productive brings many benefits. For example, the eggs from your farm will be in high demand. Once your farm is known for quality eggs, you won't have to look for customers; they will come to you. So follow the steps above to increase your layer chickens' productivity and make your farm profitable.