Imagine waking up to the gentle clucking of your own backyard flock, knowing that fresh, delicious eggs are just a few steps away. It’s a picture many dream of, but the reality of choosing the perfect laying hen can feel a bit overwhelming. So many breeds, so many personalities, and the fear of picking the wrong ones can make your head spin.
This isn’t just about getting eggs; it’s about building a little ecosystem on your property. But with all the different types of hens out there, how do you know which ones will be friendly, which will lay the most, and which will be the best fit for your family and your space? It’s a common puzzle for anyone starting their chicken journey.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you solve it! In this post, we’ll break down the key things to consider when choosing your laying hens. You’ll learn how to pick hens that match your goals, whether that’s a steady supply of eggs, a calm presence in your yard, or a bit of both. Get ready to discover the secrets to a happy flock and a plentiful egg basket!
Our Top 5 Laying Hens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Laying Hens Detailed Reviews
1. Pecking Order Oyster Shell – Calcium Supplement to Support Laying Hens and Strong Egg Shell Development (5 LB)
Rating: 9.0/10
Give your laying hens the calcium boost they need with Pecking Order Oyster Shell. This 5-pound bag provides a natural and essential supplement to help your hens lay strong, healthy eggs and stay healthy themselves.
What We Like:
- It gives your hens the calcium they need for strong eggshells. This helps stop thin or weak shells.
- The calcium also helps your hens’ bones stay strong and healthy.
- It’s made from natural oyster shells, so it’s safe for your flock.
- Your hens will lay more eggs when they have enough calcium.
- Calcium helps your hens with many body functions, keeping them feeling good.
- The 5-pound bag is easy to store and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product is a supplement and should not replace a balanced diet.
- Some hens might need encouragement to eat it at first.
Pecking Order Oyster Shell is a simple yet effective way to support your flock’s health and egg production. It’s a natural choice for happy, healthy hens and great eggs.
2. Eaton Pet and Pasture
Rating: 9.2/10
Give your hens a cozy and clean place to lay their eggs with Eaton Pet and Pasture’s Premium Laying Hen Nesting Pads. These pads are made from 100% sustainably grown aspen excelsior right here in the USA. Eaton cares about the planet and your chickens, making sure their nesting boxes are the best they can be.
What We Like:
- Made from natural, sustainably harvested aspen excelsior.
- Each pad is hand-packed with care for top quality.
- Provides a soft and comfy spot for hens to lay their eggs.
- Helps prevent eggs from breaking and makes collecting easier.
- Aspen fibers help keep the nesting box fresh and dry.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 13×13 size might not fit all nesting box styles.
- More color options could be a nice touch.
These nesting pads offer a natural and comfortable solution for your laying hens. They promote a cleaner environment and a smoother egg-collecting experience for you.
3. MAQIHAN 10oz Chicken Nesting Herbs – Dried Herb Layer Feed Coop and Run Insulation Roosting Bars for Box Pads Supplies Laying Hens Chicks Vacuum Packed Bedding Winter
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your feathered friends a nutritious boost with MAQIHAN 10oz Chicken Nesting Herbs. This special blend is designed to make your chickens healthier and happier. It’s a simple way to add extra vitamins and minerals to their diet. Plus, it helps create a cozy and natural environment in their coop.
What We Like:
- Chickens can eat these herbs anywhere in their coop, litter, or feeders.
- It’s a great way to give your chickens extra vitamins, minerals, and calcium.
- The blend includes 10 natural herbs like basil, dandelion, and chamomile, plus oyster shells.
- Chickens love the taste and it helps them get the nutrients they need.
- It’s good for all kinds of chickens, whether you have a few or many.
- The natural scent makes the coop feel more comfortable and peaceful for hens.
- Hens are more likely to lay their eggs on the coop mat when these herbs are added.
- It’s vacuum-packed to stay fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10oz size might be small for very large coops or for long-term use.
- More specific details on the exact ratios of each herb could be helpful for some owners.
This MAQIHAN chicken nesting herb mix is a simple yet effective way to enhance your chickens’ diet and living space. It’s a natural choice for healthier hens and better eggs.
4. Wooden Eggs Fake Eggs Dummy Eggs Nest Eggs Help Laying Hen Agricultural Tool Eggs for Nesting Box 6 PCS
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for a way to make your nesting boxes more inviting for your laying hens? These Wooden Eggs are designed to do just that! Made from solid wood, they’re smooth, round, and built to last. They even look and feel like real eggs, which can help encourage your hens to lay in their designated spots. Plus, they’re great for other uses too, like decorating for Easter or adding a rustic touch to your home.
What We Like:
- Made from sturdy solid wood, these eggs are durable and won’t fade.
- Their smooth, round shape is pleasant to the touch and safe for hens.
- They have no strange smells, making them a good choice for the coop.
- The lifelike shape is key to encouraging hens to nest.
- They resist drops, so they can handle a bit of rough treatment.
- This set comes with 6 eggs, a good number for most nesting boxes.
- They also double as charming decorations for Easter or around the house.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are 5.5cm x 4cm (2.17inch x 1.57inch), which might be slightly smaller than some real eggs, though still effective.
- As with any photo, there might be slight color differences from what you see online.
Overall, these wooden eggs are a practical and decorative addition to any chicken keeper’s setup. They offer a simple solution for encouraging good nesting habits and add a touch of charm to your home.
5. Nest Box Pads for Chicken Nesting Boxes – 13 x 13 Pads Made in USA from Sustainably Sourced Aspen Excelsior (10 Pack)
Rating: 9.4/10
Keep your laying hens happy and your eggs clean with these Nest Box Pads. Made in the USA from natural aspen excelsior, these 13″ x 13″ pads are designed to create a comfortable and hygienic nesting environment. They are a simple yet effective way to improve your coop’s cleanliness and make egg collection a breeze.
What We Like:
- Sustainably Sourced: The aspen comes from forests that are managed responsibly, which is great for the environment.
- Hand-Packed and Inspected: Each pad is checked for quality, ensuring consistent thickness and a well-attached backing. This means you get a good product every time.
- Clean Nest Boxes: These pads make cleaning your nesting boxes much faster. Just remove the old pad and replace it with a new one.
- Easy Egg Collection: Eggs are less likely to get buried, making them easier to find and gather.
- Cleaner Eggs: The excelsior fibers allow droppings to fall through, keeping the eggs cleaner. They also let air flow, keeping the nest box dry.
- Fits Most Nesting Boxes: The pads can be easily adjusted to fit most standard nesting boxes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the pads are designed to fit most boxes, some very small or unusually shaped boxes might require trimming.
These nest box pads offer a practical solution for chicken keepers. They promote a cleaner environment for your hens and make egg collecting more efficient.
Choosing the Best Laying Hens for Your Flock
So, you’re thinking about adding some feathered friends to your backyard? Great idea! Laying hens are a fantastic way to get fresh eggs right from your own home. But with so many breeds out there, how do you pick the right ones? This guide will help you make a smart choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for laying hens, keep these important features in mind:
- Egg Production: How many eggs does a hen lay each week? Some breeds are super producers, laying almost an egg a day! Others lay fewer but might be known for other qualities.
- Egg Color: Do you dream of brown eggs, white eggs, or maybe even pretty blue or green ones? Different breeds lay different colored eggs.
- Temperament: Are you looking for friendly hens that love to be held, or are you okay with more independent birds? Some breeds are known for being calm and gentle, while others can be a bit flighty.
- Hardiness: How well do the hens handle different weather conditions? Some breeds are tough and can handle cold winters or hot summers better than others.
- Broodiness: This means a hen wants to sit on eggs to hatch them. Some people love broody hens because they can hatch chicks naturally. Others prefer hens that just focus on laying eggs.
Important Materials (When Buying Chicks or Pullets)
While you don’t “buy materials” for the hens themselves, you do need to think about where they will live and what they will eat.
- Chicks: If you’re starting with chicks, they need a warm brooder with bedding like pine shavings. You’ll also need a heat lamp and chick starter feed.
- Pullets: These are young hens that are almost ready to lay. They need a coop with nesting boxes, roosting bars, and access to good quality layer feed.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a big difference in how good your laying hens are.
- Genetics: Just like people, some hens come from better “stock.” This means they have parents and grandparents that were good layers. Good genetics lead to more eggs and healthier birds.
- Nutrition: What you feed your hens is super important. A balanced diet with good quality layer feed gives them the energy and nutrients they need to lay eggs. Poor food makes them lay fewer eggs and can make them sick.
- Environment: A safe, clean coop protects hens from predators and the weather. Overcrowding can stress them out and lead to problems. A happy hen lays more eggs.
- Health: Healthy hens are productive hens. Watch for signs of illness like lethargy or loss of appetite. Good care prevents many health issues.
User Experience and Use Cases
People raise laying hens for many reasons:
- Fresh Eggs: This is the most common reason! You get the freshest, tastiest eggs imaginable.
- Educational Tool: For families with kids, raising chickens is a wonderful way to teach about nature, responsibility, and where food comes from.
- Pest Control: Chickens love to eat bugs in your yard, helping to keep down unwanted insects.
- Composting: Their droppings can be added to compost piles, creating rich fertilizer for your garden.
Think about what you want from your flock. If you want lots of eggs, pick a high-production breed. If you want a pet, choose a friendly breed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laying Hens
Q: What are the best breeds for beginners?
A: Good breeds for beginners include Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Leghorns. They are usually hardy and lay a lot of eggs.
Q: How many eggs can I expect from a good laying hen?
A: A good laying hen can lay between 4 to 6 eggs per week, depending on the breed and conditions.
Q: Do I need a rooster for hens to lay eggs?
A: No, hens will lay eggs even without a rooster. A rooster is only needed if you want to hatch chicks.
Q: How much space do laying hens need?
A: A general rule is about 4 square feet of coop space per hen inside the coop, and at least 10 square feet of outdoor run space per hen.
Q: What should I feed my laying hens?
A: You should feed them a good quality layer feed that has about 16-18% protein. They also need access to grit and oyster shell for digestion and strong eggshells.
Q: How long do laying hens live?
A: Laying hens can live for 5 to 10 years, though their egg production often slows down after their first 2-3 years.
Q: Can I keep laying hens in the city?
A: Many cities allow backyard chickens, but you should always check your local laws and regulations first.
Q: What are the signs of a healthy laying hen?
A: A healthy hen is active, alert, has bright eyes, clean feathers, and a smooth comb and wattles. She will also eat and drink normally.
Q: How do I protect my hens from predators?
A: Make sure their coop is secure with strong latches and no gaps. Consider a fenced run. Common predators include foxes, raccoons, and hawks.
Q: When do hens start laying eggs?
A: Most hens start laying eggs when they are about 5 to 6 months old.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.