Posted on Nov 27, 2023 at 8:03 am by James T
In the rural world of the past, where technology and modern chemicals were not accessible, poultry farmers relied on grandma’s tricks and remedies to maintain the health and productivity of their chickens. These methods, often based on natural ingredients and simple practices, have proven their effectiveness over time.
Understanding the causes of a decrease in egg production
Before seeking to increase the egg production of your chickens, it is important to understand why they have stopped or reduced their laying.
Here are some of the main reasons:
- Stress: Chickens are sensitive to stress, which can be caused by changes in their environment, the presence of predators, loud noises, or mistreatment. Stress can significantly reduce egg laying.
- Inadequate nutrition: Unbalanced diet, low in protein or calcium, can affect the ability of chickens to lay regularly. Adequate nutrition is essential for good egg laying.
- Diseases: Some diseases or parasites can affect the health of chickens, resulting in a reduction in egg laying. It is important to monitor the health of chickens and promptly treat any problems.
- Lack of water: Insufficient access to clean and fresh water can limit egg laying. Chickens need an adequate amount of water to maintain their egg production.
- Overcrowding: Too restricted living space or overcrowding can create a stressful environment for chickens, which can decrease their egg laying.
- Seasonal changes: Seasonal changes, in addition to winter, can also affect egg laying. For example, excessive heat in summer can reduce egg production.
- Lack of exercise: Lack of physical activity can affect the overall health of chickens and, consequently, their egg laying.
- Age of onset of laying: Chickens starting to lay at a very young age may have reduced productivity.
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Natural solutions to boost egg laying
Grandma’s remedies can help stimulate egg laying in chickens through a few simple and natural tricks:
1. Provide calcium: Offer your chickens an additional supply of calcium by offering them crushed and dried oyster shells or crushed eggshells in a separate dispenser, or fresh dairy products. To support your chickens during the winter months, consider incorporating protein-rich recipes into their diet.
2. Use nettle: Rich in vitamins A and C, nettle is an excellent plant for stimulating egg laying. Gather young fresh nettles, finely chop them, and mix them with your chickens’ food.
3. Support your chickens during molting: During this difficult period for your animals, you can improve their diet by increasing their protein intake from 20 to 22% and providing them with vitamin and mineral supplements.
4. Make sure to maintain the chicken coop in impeccable condition, as a well-maintained, dry, and sanitary space actively encourages egg laying. Furthermore, it is crucial to regularly check for the possible presence of parasites such as lice or mites in your chickens, as their well-being directly affects their ability to lay eggs.
5. Adequate lighting in the chicken coop: Maintaining a constant light cycle, especially during the winter months when days are shorter, can help regulate the laying cycles of chickens. Additional lighting in the morning can encourage regular egg laying.
6. Water enriched with apple cider vinegar: Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar (about one tablespoon per gallon of water) to the chickens’ drinking water can promote their digestive health and strengthen their immunity, which can indirectly contribute to better egg laying.
By adopting these natural and proven methods, inspired by grandma’s remedies, you can effectively improve the egg laying of your chickens while ensuring their well-being. It is by understanding and meeting the needs of these animals that we can promote healthy and abundant egg production, in harmony with the principles of sustainable and respectful agriculture.
