Layer Chicken Feed Tips for More Productive Hens

Eggs have become an everyday staple for completing the balanced diet we should eat each day, what Indonesians call "4 sehat 5 sempurna" (four healthy foods, with milk as the fifth that makes it perfect). Like vegetables, chicken meat and other side dishes, the eggs you eat should ideally be fresh eggs from farms with the best husbandry systems, including quality chicken feed. That's because well-raised layer chickens, or laying hens, produce high-quality eggs. As an easy-to-find source of protein, eggs are a convenient side dish that's easy to cook into all kinds of meals. Still, the eggs you pick should come from the best layer chickens so the nutrients inside are of high quality too.

Even the best layer chickens need the best care. Otherwise, they won't grow and develop fully, which can hurt the quality of their eggs. That's why layer husbandry must be well managed so the chickens can grow and develop properly. Cleaning the coop and providing chicken feed on a regular schedule are a few ways to help layer chickens grow and produce well. Coop cleaning involves removing droppings and spraying disinfectant to kill the bacteria and viruses that cause chicken diseases. With regular cleaning, the coop stays clean and healthy, so layer chickens won't get sick easily.

Also read Why Does Layer Chicken Management Matter?

Besides the coop, the cleanliness and hygiene of layer feeding equipment also need attention. Feeders and drinkers must be kept clean and hygienic so layer chickens don't easily catch viral or bacterial diseases from the coop or from their feed and water containers. As with the coop, feeders and drinkers must be cleaned regularly so bacteria and viruses can't take hold in them. Feed and water containers must be truly clean and hygienic so the hens can fully absorb the nutrients in their layer chicken feed.

Layer chicken feed must also be nutritionally balanced to support egg production, and it must be given in the right amounts. Overfeeding chickens can interfere with egg formation. Make sure your layer chicken feed is made from the best raw ingredients and processed under strict quality control. That way, the feed can support peak egg production and yield top-quality hens and eggs. Chickens usually prefer layer feed in seed or grain form, because they are natural grain eaters. They are also more drawn to brightly colored seeds or grains, such as red, green, yellow or orange ones.

Just as important is the timing of layer chicken feeding. Feeding on a regular schedule helps chickens grow and develop properly. Feeding layers on time and consistently also helps them avoid stress. By nature, chickens eat to meet their energy, or calorie, needs. Most of the layer feed they eat goes toward meeting those needs, while the rest simply rounds out their nutrition.

Also read: The Best Layer Chickens for Producing High-Quality Eggs