A hen doesn't necessarily have to be fattened up for laying, but they do need to be in very good condition. Laying hens need lots of protein and minerals, a good feed should have at least 13% protein, and it doesn't hurt to add a source of calcium (such as ground oyster shell). The extra calcium helps the hens to lay stronger-shelled eggs.
The hen is not going to lay more than one egg every 24 hours no matter what you feed it. A good commercial laying MASH or pellet is best, high calcium and protein. If you make your own feed then add corn and soy bean. Some breeds of hen do not lay more than two or three time per week.
A well balanced diet will to keep the hen laying. A commercial feed of approximately 12% protein is recommended for layers.
Laying mash (available at any feed store).
All feed stores sell some form of Layer complete. This product is formulated to provide optimum nutrition. Ask for laying mash, layer pellets or just Layer feed.
Feed stores usually sell two simple kinds of layer feed- crumbles and pellets. Either one will work, though some chickens prefer crumbles.
Laying feeds
The same as other laying hens - layer feed, preferrably organic crumbles.
Yes, you can, but after that you must dry it and prefferably cut it up.
No. they can if they have a rooster though
Don't eat the eggs of a medicated chicken. Any more of this type of questions, ask your vet.
A little dog food once in a while will not hurt the laying hens, however do not substitute dog food for a balanced layer feed. The layer feed has been formulated to be nutritionally complete and meet the needs of a laying bird with the correct protein, fat and calcium numbers. A full diet of dogfood will cause problems down the line health wise and especially egg wise since it is not formulated for hens.
Feed design to meet the requirements of laying hens. Usually higher in energy levels, protein w/ certain amino acids increased to meet higher need and increased mineral levels especially Ca. It is ok for male bird and non laying hens to eat for short periods of time and also it is a waste of money to feed these expensive feeds to non laying birds.
Our roosters eat the same feed as the hens. It is a basic ration for egg laying poultry purchased up at the tractor supply. They also get veggie and salad scraps from the kitchen. They don't mind getting into my garden and eating my greens and strawberries either.
Cold weather does effect a hens laying. when the temperature is below 55 degrees or so this can effect a hens production. Mainly though the reduction in hours of daylight causes hens to stop laying. Anything below 14 hours of daylight will cause a hen to stop laying.
No you dont
No The laying mash or pellets are fine for the rooster. There really is no way to stop the rooster from eating the same things you feed the hens other than keeping them separated. My hens are fed laying crumble all year long and the roosters thrive on it.
The hens will rejoice!! Hens like fruit of any kind. They will eat the skins of most fruit also but seldom citrus. The flesh of the fruit is fair game for them however and they get good nutrients from citrus. My hens eat oranges, grapefruit and even lemons.
Yes. Most grain/feed stores have special layer complete feed that gives the new pullet the extra calcium and protein needed for good egg production. Hens raised for egg production should be started on this feed about one month before expected egg production. This means they can be switched from chick grower, over to layer mash or pellets at about 12 to 16 weeks of age.