9 Things to Keep Your Hens Laying

If you're keeping hens, you want them to produce eggs consistently. But it's not always easy to know what you should be doing to ensure that your hens are healthy and productive. Here are nine things you should know to keep your hens laying:

1. Provide plenty of clean water - Chickens need fresh, clean water to stay hydrated and healthy. Make sure they always have access to a clean water source.

2. Feed them a balanced diet - Hens need a balanced diet to produce healthy eggs. Their diet should consist of a mix of grains, proteins, and vitamins. You can buy commercial chicken feed or make your own.

3. Give them enough space - Hens need space to move around and stretch their wings. If they're overcrowded, they may become stressed and stop laying eggs.

4. Keep their coop clean - A clean coop will help prevent disease and parasites from spreading. Regularly clean out old bedding and replace it with fresh, clean bedding.

5. Provide enough light - Hens need about 14-16 hours of daylight to lay eggs consistently. If they're not getting enough light, they may stop laying.

6. Monitor their health - Keep an eye out for signs of illness or injury. If a hen is sick or injured, she may stop laying eggs.

7. Collect eggs regularly - Collecting eggs regularly will encourage hens to continue laying. If you leave eggs in the coop for too long, hens may stop laying or even start eating their own eggs.

8. Protect them from predators - Hens are vulnerable to predators like foxes and raccoons. Make sure their coop is secure and that they have a safe place to roam during the day.

9. Provide a dust bath - Hens need to take dust baths to keep their feathers clean and healthy. Provide a shallow container filled with sand or dirt for them to use.

By following these tips, you can keep your hens healthy and productive. Remember to provide plenty of clean water, a balanced diet, enough space, a clean coop, enough light, regular health checks, regular egg collection, predator protection, and a dust bath. With a little care and attention, your hens will reward you with plenty of delicious eggs!