Egg Production (Video)

Keeping backyard chickens for egg production is an excellent way to decrease your grocery bill while ensuring that you and your family get the best possible nutrition.

Hank Will, Editor-in-Chief of GRIT Magazine, talks with Purina animal nutritionist Dr. Gordon Ballam about increasing egg production in your flock.

For quality eggs, make sure your chickens are receiving proper nutrition in their feed. Dr. Ballam recommends a diet of 90% high-quality laying feed and 10% treats and other supplements. Your flock’s eggs can only be as nutritious as their feed, after all!

Egg production also depends on the amount of daylight your chickens receive, with an ideal day length of 16 to 18 hours. Avoid decreasing the amount of light during the laying season, as this may slow egg production or encourage an early molt. Supplemental lighting on timers can help maintain a steady day length throughout the laying season.