A high-producing hen may lay as many as 300 eggs per year.  To help hens attain a target goal of six eggs per week Purina Animal Nutrition has a few tips to keep animals happy and healthy.

Move chicks directly from the brooder to the coop you plan to keep them in, allowing them to become comfortable with their home before laying begins.  Make sure the coop has a 1-foot square nesting box for every four or five hens, and line each box with a thick layer of straw or bedding to keep the eggs clean and unbroken.

“Be sure all the nest areas have a uniform environment,” advises Patrick Biggs, Ph.D., a flock nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition. “If the hens decide one nest is preferable to the others, they may all try to use that nest, causing themselves stress, which can lead to egg breakage or egg eating.”

Once the hens begin laying their diet should be adjusted accordingly.  Young chicks and pullets need high protein levels to help their body and feathers grow.  After laying begins their feed should additionally contain calcium and omega-3 fatty acids for nutritious eggs.

“Since egg shells are developed at night, when birds are not eating, a consistent source of slow-release calcium in the diet is important,” Biggs says. “Oyster shells are the most common and reliable source of slow-release calcium. For strong shells and healthy hens, feed a complete layer feed with 16 percent protein and 3.25-4.5 percent calcium. Supplement the diet with free-choice oyster shells to add the slow-release calcium.”

“When we feed our hens a high-quality feed, we can be proud to feed our families the eggs they produce,” Biggs adds. “By providing a comfortable home and a high-quality layer feed, we can help our hens continue laying wholesome, nutritious eggs for several years.”

For more information about poultry needs, visit the Purina website or like them on Facebook.