Raising Chickens for Eggs: Your How-To Guide
Erica Lynn Geller
There’s no denying the deeply satisfying feeling of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard. However, if you've never owned chickens before, there’s a lot you need to know. From choosing the right breeds for egg production to setting up a secure coop and understanding daily care needs, there’s a lot to consider before diving into chicken keeping.
The good news? Chickens are surprisingly easy to care for once you understand the basics, not to mention the payoff and personal satisfaction in knowing you are reaping the benefits of your own efforts. No matter if you have a large backyard or only a small space, raising egg-laying chickens is possible (provided it’s permitted where you live) and totally worth it. In this guide, which includes expert insights from Jeannette Beranger, Senior Program Manager at The Livestock Conservancy, we walk you through what you need to know to get started.
Key Highlights
Select egg-laying breeds that suit your climate, lifestyle, goals and preferences.
Chickens need secure housing with proper ventilation, nesting boxes and protection from predators.
Provide layer feed, clean water and occasional treats for a balanced diet that promotes egg laying.
Gather eggs daily, handle them gently and store them based on your desired shelf life.
What Chicken Breeds Are Good for Egg-Laying? Where to Begin
When it comes to egg production, certain breeds are more active than others. Choosing which ones to complete your flock with is an exciting and important step. Your decision will directly impact the number of eggs you get, their color and what level of care you need to provide to ensure happy and healthy hens.
Here’s what to consider:
Best Egg-Laying Breeds
If your primary motive is to collect lots of fresh eggs, you may want to start with hybrids, such as California White, Cherry Egger, Hy-Line Brown, Golden Comet and Indian River. These breeds are known for being the most productive egg layers. If you would prefer to raise heritage breeds, Rhode Island Reds and Whites, Leghorns, White-Faced Black Spanish, Australorps and Plymouth Rocks are good choices.
Egg Color
While color does not affect the nutritional value of eggs, you may wish to have a visual variety in your egg basket. White and brown eggs are the most common, but some breeds, including Ameraucana and Araucana and Easter Eggers lay eggs that are various shades of blue, green and cream. Choose a breed that produces your preferred egg color or mix breeds to get a colorful carton.
Egg Size
Another consideration for choosing your ideal breed is egg size. Heritage breeds that lay the largest eggs are Jersey Giants, Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, Brahmas and Orpingtons. A number of hybrid breeds actually lay mostly extra-large eggs. If this is your goal, check into Hy-Line Browns, Cinnamon Queens, Brown Sex Links, ISA Browns and Golden Comets.
Point of Lay
Also worth considering is how quickly your hens will start producing eggs. “Typically, by the time chickens are about six to eight months old, they should be starting to lay,” says Beranger. However, some pullets can mature sooner, depending on certain factors. Indian Rivers, ISA Browns, Cherry Eggers, Golden Comets and Pearl Leghorns mature quickly and can begin laying eggs as early as 17 weeks old. Leghorns and Leghorn hybrids are nearly all quick to mature, as well. Other heritage breeds, such as White-Faced Black Spanish, Redcap, Minorca and Ancona, can start providing you with eggs as early as 21 weeks.
Expert tip: If you’re new to poultry, consider choosing a mix of breeds, and not a coop filled with the same type. This method not only adds personality to your flock but also gives you a colorful egg basket, along with allowing you to see which breeds do best in your environment and under your care.
How Should You Set Up the Coop?
Once you’ve decided which breeds you want to comprise your flock with, it is time to get the necessary supplies. Your chickens need a clean, secure and comfortable living space, making a coop essential. You can choose to either build your own or purchase prebuilt structures. Another option is a chicken tractor, which you can move around to different parts of the pasture or yard to enable their natural foraging instincts.
Regardless of which you choose, your coop setup should account for the following:
Space: According to Beranger, your chickens aren’t going to be very happy if you cram them into a space that isn’t big enough. Plan for at least a minimum of 3-4 sq. ft. of floor space inside the coop and eight to 10 square feet per bird in the run.
Ventilation: Proper airflow is crucial for reducing moisture buildup, removing ammonia and preventing respiratory issues. Good ventilation provides fresh air without creating harmful drafts, creating a healthy environment for chickens year-round.
Nesting boxes: Make sure your chickens have a designated area within the coop to lay their eggs. “I would have one nesting box for every four to five birds,” says Beranger. “But honestly, they all seem to want to only be in one or two boxes. So, you can have multiple boxes, but that doesn't mean they're going to use them all.”
Roosting bars: Chickens are known for sleeping off the ground. Install sturdy perches inside the coop, but Beranger emphasizes they must be comfortable for your birds to prevent injuries such as bumblefoot. “I have old tent posts for my perches. They're octagonal, so chickens can shift their weight a little bit to alter pressure points. Other people will wrap their perches in rope, so all the bird has to do is move its foot a little bit and it has different pressure points. Natural branches are great, too.”
Predator protection: The most problematic predators are neighborhood dogs, foxes, coyotes, snakes, black vultures, hawks and crows. Take proactive measures to ensure all openings are secure and there are no weak points for predators to enter.
Expert tip: Just as important as the space itself is keeping your coop clean. Beranger suggests, “If you can spot clean daily, that'll keep your coop really clean. Pay attention to wet spots, as they usually lead to mold or smells. Remove the wet spot and replace it with dry shavings, so your coop stays fresh.”
Chicken Feed and Water: What to Do for Maximum Production?
A balanced diet equals healthy hens, which means more eggs for you. Stock your feeder with chicken feed that’s specifically for egg-laying hens, which contains essential calcium and protein for supporting high-quality egg production. This feed often comes in pellet or crumble forms, and can be supplemented with treats to add nutrients to their diet. Treats should only serve as an occasional, healthy supplement rather than a replacement. Keep in mind that overfeeding can lead to nutrient imbalances and health issues, such as obesity, which can impact egg production, so moderation is key.
Beranger adds, “Egg-laying chickens need plenty of water because there’s a lot of fluid leaving their bodies in that egg.” Water intake usually increases in hot weather, high stress or during heavy laying periods. Make sure clean water is always accessible with a waterer and always provide more water than you think is necessary. If starting with chicks, use a water source that’s meant for baby birds to prevent drowning. When you bring your chicks home for the first time, dip their beaks in the water gently so they know where to find the source.
Expert tip: Did you know chickens are natural foragers? Allowing them to scratch for bugs and greens boosts their nutrition and cuts down on feed costs. “Foraging opportunities will make your chickens quite happy,” says Beranger. “Put a pile of straw in your chicken coop and then put some goodies in there, so they can scratch around all day.”
Collecting, Handling and Storing Eggs
Fresh eggs are one of the best perks of raising chickens. To ensure clean eggs with a long shelf life and great taste, consider the following:
Collection Suggestions
Collecting eggs daily helps maintain quality and promotes production regularly. Check the nesting boxes at least once, but ideally two or three times a day, especially during high-volume periods. This reduces the chances of eggs becoming damaged. Leaving eggs for too long can encourage bad behaviors, such as pecking. Always use an appropriate basket or soft container when collecting to avoid breakage.
Cleaning Tips
Eggs have a natural protective coating on them, sealing the pores and keeping bacteria out. This protective layer, known as the bloom, allows eggs to be at room temperature for up to two weeks, meaning they don’t need to be washed right away. You should only wash the eggs when visibly dirty and just before use. Use warm water and gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth. For heavy soiling, wash them in a sanitizer with 1/2 oz. of chlorine per one gallon of warm water.
Storing Eggs
How you store your eggs plays a crucial role in their shelf life. You can store your eggs in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, which results in a shelf life of two to three weeks. For a shelf life of four to six weeks, sometimes even longer, placing eggs in the refrigerator after collection slows bacterial growth and helps maintain freshness.
Expert tip: “Typically, eggs that are really, really dirty mean that the hen probably has something going on, such as a parasite,” says Beranger. “If you have eggs that are covered in chicken feces, check to see if your birds need to be wormed because, typically, eggs should be pretty clean.”
Get Cracking with Chickens and Supplies from Tractor Supply
Raising chickens for eggs is more than just a hobby – it’s a big step toward a simpler, more meaningful way of living Life Out Here. We offer everything you need to get started, including egg-laying birds, along with the necessary supplies. Start building your backyard coop today by shopping our extensive inventory online or at your local Tractor Supply store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raising Chickens
What do I need to know when starting with chicks?
If you are starting out with chicks, put them into a brooder with about an inch of litter for the first few weeks. Because they cannot generate their own heat, you will need a heat lamp. Keep the temperature at about 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, and decrease the temperature by five degrees each week until you reach 65 degrees. The following week, you can remove the lamp entirely. While you have the heat lamp in the brooder, make sure you keep an eye on the chicks' behavior, as these temperatures are only guidelines. If they are huddling under the lamp, that means the lamp isn't warm enough. If they scatter away from the lamp, they are too hot.
Do I need to know my city’s policies for raising chickens?
Yes. Always make sure, before starting your venture, that you know the regulations of where you reside. Is it legal to raise chickens where you live? Also, be a good neighbor and let them know your plans. They may not object to the noise if you are willing to give them some free eggs every few weeks.