Care for chickens correctly and they’ll reward you with fresh eggs. Get it wrong and production drops.
The good news: success isn’t complicated, said Jim Hermes, retired poultry specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service. Provide the right feed, clean water, and shelter from winter weather.
Feed complete rations for each life stage
Make bagged feed from a feed store your standard. It’s formulated for each stage of life with the correct nutrients.
- Starter feed: hatching to about 6 weeks.
- Grower/developer: 6 to 17 weeks.
- Layer/breeder: for actively laying hens.
If flock ages are mixed, use a “general purpose” ration. For laying hens, add calcium (oyster shell or egg-production drops).
Go easy on supplements and scratch
“The biggest mistake is too much supplement,” Hermes said. Kitchen scraps and garden leftovers dilute nutrients when birds fill up on them first.
“If it’s a high-fiber, leafy green vegetable, it sounds good, but it just has water, sugar and fiber,” said Hermes, author of the OSU Extension publication How to feed your laying hens. A small snack is fine — only what they can finish in 10–15 minutes.
Scratch (mixed grains) is acceptable in small amounts. Tossing a little on the ground encourages natural scratching and exercise, and birds find insect protein as they forage.
Offer grit as needed; keep feed available
Chickens will pick up small pebbles (grit) to grind grains and insects. You can supply grit from a feed store, though many birds find enough outdoors. Unlike people, laying hens don’t overeat. “You’ll rarely see a fat layer chicken,” Hermes said. “If they go without feed for a day, they’ll go out of production. Keep feed in front of them all the time.”
Protect birds from winter weather
Chickens wear excellent “down jackets,” but combs and feet can suffer in cold snaps. Comb tips can freeze at about 10°F, risking tissue damage and fewer eggs. Provide a dry, draft-free place to get out of wind, rain and snow. Nesting spots should be at least a foot above ground to deter predators such as dogs and raccoons.
Water without fail
Always provide fresh water. In freezing weather, break ice or replace water often. Consider a water-pan heater, or place a light bulb inside a coffee can and set the dish on top to help prevent freezing.
Learn more
Source: Oregon State University
