How to Get Hens to Lay Eggs: Practical Tips

Understanding the natural laying cycle of hens

Before seeking to optimize egg production, it is essential to understand how laying works. A hen begins to lay around the age of 18 to 22 weeks, depending on the breed. Her production is directly influenced by the length of daylight: a hen needs approximately 14 to 16 hours of light per day to lay regularly. This is why laying naturally decreases in autumn and winter, when the days grow shorter.

Feeding, the key to good laying

A suitable diet is the primary lever for getting your hens to lay optimally. Offer them a balanced ration rich in protein (between 15 and 18%), calcium, and vitamins. Calcium is essential for shell formation: make sure to provide crushed oyster shells or limestone freely available. Grains alone are not enough: supplement with a complete commercial layer feed or leftover vegetables, earthworms, and insects if your hens are kept outdoors. A well-fed hen can produce up to 300 eggs per year.

Taking care of the living conditions in the henhouse

The comfort of your hens has a direct impact on their production. Make sure your henhouse is clean, well-ventilated, and free from drafts. Provide one nesting box per group of 4 to 5 hens, lined with fresh straw and placed in a quiet, slightly dark spot: hens like to lay away from prying eyes. Collect eggs daily to prevent hens from developing bad habits such as egg pecking. Sufficient living space — at least 1 m² per hen indoors and 4 m² outdoors — reduces stress and encourages regular laying.

Managing lighting to maintain laying in winter

To compensate for the lack of natural light during the cold season, you can install a low-energy light bulb in the henhouse. The goal is to reach 16 hours of daily light by artificially extending the day in the morning or evening. Gradually increase the lighting duration, in increments of 30 minutes per week, so as not to disturb your animals. This simple technique helps maintain a decent level of production throughout the year.

Preventing causes of laying drops

Several factors can abruptly stop or reduce laying: stress, sudden changes in diet, illness, the presence of predators, or the annual molt. During the molt, hens lose their feathers and focus their energy on renewing their plumage rather than on egg production. This is a normal phenomenon that lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Also remember to deworm your hens regularly and to watch for the appearance of parasites such as red mites, which severely disrupt laying. By taking care of your hens on a daily basis, you will give yourself every chance of achieving an abundant and consistent egg production.