How to Raise Chickens for Eggs: A Beginner’s Guide

Raising chickens for eggs is a rewarding experience that provides fresh, nutritious food right from your backyard. Whether you’re a homesteader or just looking for a sustainable hobby, learning how raise chickens properly ensures healthy, productive hens.

So, in thhis guide, FnB Tech will covers everything from choosing the right breed to maintaining a coop and ensuring optimal egg production.

Why Raise Chickens for Eggs?

Before diving into how raise chickens, it’s important to understand the benefits:

• Fresh, Organic Eggs: Home-raised eggs are richer in nutrients and free from harmful chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: After initial setup, chickens can save money on grocery bills.
• Sustainable Living: Chickens help reduce food waste by eating kitchen scraps.
• Natural Pest Control: They eat insects, reducing the need for pesticides.

Read also: Investing in Chicken Farming

Step 1: Choosing the Right Chicken Breeds

Not all chickens are equal when it comes to egg production. Some breeds lay more eggs, while others are better for meat or ornamental purposes. Here are top egg-laying breeds:

Best Egg-Laying Chickens

1. White Leghorn – Lays 280-320 white eggs per year.
2. Rhode Island Red – Hardy birds producing 250-300 brown eggs annually.
3. Plymouth Rock – Friendly and reliable, laying 200+ eggs yearly.
4. Sussex – Adaptable and consistent, with 250+ eggs per year.
5. Australorp – Holds a world record for egg production (364 eggs in a year!).

If you’re new to how raise chickens, start with docile breeds like Orpingtons or Easter Eggers, which are easier to handle.

Step 2: Setting Up a Chicken Coop

A secure coop is essential for keeping chickens safe from predators and weather.

Coop Requirements:

• Space: Allow 3-4 sq ft per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 sq ft per bird in the run.
• Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents respiratory issues.
• Nesting Boxes: Provide one box per 3-4 hens (12”x12” size).
• Roosting Bars: Chickens sleep on elevated bars (2-4 inches wide).
• Predator Protection: Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) to keep out raccoons and foxes.

Step 3: Feeding Your Chickens for Maximum Egg Production

Nutrition directly impacts egg quality and quantity.

Essential Chicken Feed:

• Starter Feed (0-8 weeks): High protein (18-20%) for chicks.
• Grower Feed (9-20 weeks): Balanced nutrients for developing hens.
• Layer Feed (20+ weeks): 16-18% protein with calcium for strong eggshells.

Supplemental Foods:

• Oyster Shells: Extra calcium prevents soft-shelled eggs.
• Greens & Veggies: Kale, spinach, and carrots boost nutrition.
• Grit: Helps digestion if chickens eat whole grains.

Avoid feeding chickens avocado, chocolate, or salty foods, as they can be toxic.

Step 4: Ensuring Proper Water Supply

Chickens need constant access to clean water. A single hen drinks about ½ liter per day, increasing in hot weather.

Tips:

• Use nipple waterers to prevent contamination.
• Check water twice daily in winter to prevent freezing.

Step 5: Maintaining Health & Hygiene

Healthy chickens lay more eggs. Follow these best practices:

Common Health Issues:

• Mites & Lice: Dust baths (sand + diatomaceous earth) help prevent infestations.
• Respiratory Infections: Keep the coop dry and well-ventilated.
• Egg Binding: Ensure proper calcium intake to avoid this life-threatening condition.

Cleaning Schedule:

• Daily: Remove wet bedding and refill water.
• Weekly: Replace nesting box liners.
• Monthly: Deep-clean the coop with vinegar or poultry-safe disinfectants.

Step 6: Collecting & Storing Eggs

For the best-quality eggs:

• Collect eggs 1-2 times daily to prevent cracking or spoilage.
• Store eggs pointy-end down in the fridge for up to 3 months.
• Avoid washing eggs unless necessary—the natural bloom protects them.

Step 7: Troubleshooting Low Egg Production

If your hens stop laying, consider these factors:
✅ Daylight: Hens need 14-16 hours of light to lay consistently (use a coop light in winter).
✅ Stress: Predators, loud noises, or overcrowding reduce egg output.
✅ Molting: Chickens shed feathers yearly and stop laying temporarily.
✅ Age: Hens lay best in their first 2-3 years; production declines afterward.

Final Thoughts on How Raise Chickens for Eggs

Raising chickens for eggs is a simple yet fulfilling venture. By selecting the right breeds, providing a safe coop, and maintaining proper nutrition, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of farm-fresh eggs.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, mastering how raise chickens ensures happy, healthy hens and delicious eggs for years to come.