Raising chickens for eggs is a fun and rewarding experience!
Not only do you get fresh, delicious eggs, but you also get to enjoy caring for friendly, feathered friends.
If you’re wondering how to raise chickens for eggs, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Raise Chickens for Eggs?
There are many great reasons to start raising chickens for eggs:
Fresh, Healthy Eggs
We can’t deny that home-raised eggs are often tastier and more nutritious than store-bought ones.
When you have healthy hens, you are most likely to have more nutritious eggs.
Saves Money Over Time
Once your flock is established, you’ll spend less on eggs than grocery store prices.
And with the prices of eggs today, this is the perfect solution!
Fun and Educational
Chickens have great personalities and are fun to watch. They also teach responsibility.
Many chicken breeds would do great for families and kids.
Great for Gardening
Chicken poop is a natural fertilizer that helps plants grow!
So, if you have chickens, you can also grow your own fruits and vegetables.
How To Raise Chickens for Eggs: Guide for Beginners
Now, let’s get started on how to raise chickens for eggs!
Step 1: Choose the Right Egg-Laying Breeds
Not all chickens lay the same amount of eggs. Some breeds lay more eggs than others.
Here are some of the best egg-laying chicken breeds:
- Rhode Island Reds – Lay about 250–300 brown eggs per year.
- Leghorns – Great for white eggs, producing 280–320 eggs annually.
- Australorps – Friendly birds that lay 250–300 eggs per year.
- Plymouth Rocks – A hardy breed that lays 200–250 eggs per year.
- Sussex – Produce around 200–250 eggs per year and are very calm.
If you want consistent egg production, these breeds are excellent choices!
ALSO READ: 16 Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds for Beginners
Step 2: Set Up a Chicken Coop
Your chickens need a safe, comfortable home to lay eggs. Here’s what you need for a good coop:
1. Space Requirements
- Each chicken needs at least 3-4 square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet in the run.
- If chickens are too crowded, they can stop laying eggs or become aggressive.
2. Nesting Boxes
- Provide one nesting box for every 3–4 hens.
- Nesting boxes should be dark, quiet, and filled with soft bedding like straw or wood shavings.
- Clean them often to keep eggs fresh and free from dirt.
3. Roosting Bars
- Chickens like to sleep off the ground, so add roosting bars in the coop.
- Bars should be about 2 feet off the ground to keep chickens comfortable.
4. Predator Protection
- Protect your chickens from raccoons, foxes, and hawks by using strong wire fencing.
- Close the coop doors at night to keep your flock safe.
ALSO READ: 46 Beautiful DIY Chicken Coop Plans You Can Actually Build
Step 3: Feeding Chickens for the Best Eggs
Good nutrition is key to getting high-quality eggs. Here’s what to feed your laying hens:
1. Layer Feed
Give your hens a balanced layer feed with 16–18% protein.
This feed is specially designed to support egg production.
2. Calcium for Strong Eggshells
Provide crushed oyster shells or calcium supplements to keep eggshells strong.
Weak shells can break easily and are a sign of calcium deficiency.
3. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Chickens love healthy treats like:
- Leafy greens (kale, lettuce, spinach)
- Fruits (apples, berries, melons)
- Vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, zucchini)
Avoid feeding avocados, chocolate, onions, or raw potatoes, as these can be harmful.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Chicken Feed
4. Clean Water
Chickens need fresh water every day to stay healthy.
In hot weather, keep water cool and refill often to prevent dehydration.
Step 4: Egg Collection and Storage
1. Collect Eggs Daily
Gather eggs at least once or twice a day to prevent them from getting dirty or broken.
In hot weather, collect eggs more often to prevent spoilage.
2. Store Eggs Properly
Keep eggs in a clean carton in the fridge to stay fresh longer.
Unwashed eggs can stay fresh on the counter for 1–2 weeks because they have a natural protective coating.
Washed eggs should be refrigerated immediately.
ALSO READ: Should You Wash Chicken Eggs?
3. Watch for Broody Hens
Some hens stop laying eggs because they want to hatch chicks.
If a hen refuses to leave the nest, gently remove her to encourage more egg-laying.
ALSO READ: 6 Easy Ways to Break a Broody Hen
Step 5: Keep Your Chickens Healthy
Happy, healthy chickens lay more eggs! Follow these tips to keep your flock in top shape:
1. Clean the Coop Regularly
Remove old bedding and replace it weekly to keep things fresh.
A clean coop prevents diseases and parasites.
2. Watch for Signs of Illness
Healthy chickens should be active, alert, and have bright eyes.
Signs of illness include lack of energy, not eating, or strange droppings.
If a chicken seems sick, separate it from the flock and check with a vet.
3. Give Chickens Room to Roam
If possible, let your chickens free-range in a safe area.
This allows them to find bugs, exercise, and stay happy.
Disadvantages of Keeping Chickens
While raising chickens for eggs has many benefits, there are some challenges to consider.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Chickens need daily feeding, watering, and cleaning.
Unlike other pets, they require constant attention to keep their coop clean and their environment safe.
Coop Cleaning Can Be Messy
Chicken coops can get smelly and dirty quickly.
You’ll need to clean out droppings, change bedding, and ensure proper ventilation to prevent disease.
Noise Levels
While hens are generally quiet, some can be quite vocal, especially when laying eggs.
If you have neighbors nearby, noise could be an issue.
Predators and Security
Chickens are vulnerable to predators like foxes, raccoons, hawks, and even neighborhood dogs.
A secure coop with strong fencing is necessary to keep them safe.
Cost of Feed and Supplies
Although raising chickens can save money on eggs in the long run, the initial costs for a coop, feed, and supplies can add up.
Plus, ongoing expenses like bedding, supplements, and vet care should be factored in.
Seasonal Egg Production
Hens don’t lay eggs consistently year-round. In colder months, egg production slows down unless you provide artificial lighting in the coop.
Time Commitment
Chickens require daily care, and if you go on vacation, you’ll need someone to take care of them.
Unlike store-bought eggs, backyard chickens require a significant time investment.
Potential Health Issues
Chickens can get sick from diseases like mites, respiratory infections, and vent gleet.
Regular health checks and proper nutrition are essential to prevent illness.
While these disadvantages shouldn’t discourage you, it’s important to be prepared for the responsibility of raising chickens!
Raising Chickens for Eggs: A Solution to Egg Price Hike
With egg prices on the rise, many people are considering raising their own chickens as a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
While there is an initial investment in setting up a coop and buying supplies, backyard chickens can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs while reducing reliance on grocery stores.
Long-Term Savings
Although feed and maintenance have costs, raising chickens can save money in the long run.
Instead of paying for expensive store-bought eggs, you’ll have a consistent egg supply at home.
Healthier, Fresher Eggs
Backyard eggs are often fresher and more nutritious than store-bought ones.
You control what your chickens eat, meaning you can provide a healthy diet free from preservatives, antibiotics, and additives.
Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
Raising chickens helps families become more self-sufficient.
With food prices fluctuating, having your own egg source ensures food security and reduces dependency on commercial farms.
Chickens Provide More Than Just Eggs
Aside from eggs, chickens produce natural fertilizer for gardens, eat kitchen scraps to reduce waste, and help control pests like insects and weeds.
A Fun and Educational Experience
Keeping chickens is a rewarding experience for both kids and adults.
It teaches responsibility, food production, and sustainability while providing fresh eggs for the family.
While raising chickens requires commitment and effort, it can be a smart and practical solution to high egg prices, offering both financial and nutritional benefits!
Common Questions About Raising Chickens for Eggs
How long does it take for a chicken to lay eggs?
Most hens start laying eggs at about 5–6 months old.
How many eggs does a chicken lay per day?
Most hens lay about one egg per day, but this can vary based on the breed, diet, and season.
Do chickens lay eggs all year?
Egg production slows down in winter because of less daylight.
Adding a coop light can help maintain egg-laying.
How long do chickens lay eggs?
Hens lay the most eggs in their first 2–3 years, but they can continue laying for 5–7 years at a slower rate.
Can I raise chickens in my backyard?
Many cities allow backyard chickens but check local laws and HOA rules before starting your flock.
Do you need a rooster when raising chickens for eggs?
No, you don’t need a rooster for hens to lay eggs! Hens will lay eggs with or without a rooster.
However, if you want fertilized eggs that can hatch into chicks, then you’ll need a rooster in your flock.
ALSO READ: Do I Need a Rooster for Hens to Lay Eggs?
How many chickens do I need for a dozen eggs a week?
The number of chickens you need depends on how often they lay eggs.
If a hen lays about five eggs per week, then you’ll need three hens to get around a dozen eggs weekly.
If you want more eggs, consider keeping 5–6 hens to ensure a steady supply.
How much does raising your chickens for eggs cost?
Raising chickens requires an initial investment and ongoing costs. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Coop and supplies: $300–$1,000 (depending on size and materials)
- Chicks or pullets: $3–$10 per chick
- Feed: Around $15–$30 per month for a small flock
- Bedding and maintenance: $10–$20 per month
- Vet care and supplements: Varies, but budgeting $50–$100 per year is a good idea
While the startup cost can be high, raising chickens for eggs saves money in the long run, especially with the rising cost of store-bought eggs!
How many chickens should a beginner start with?
If you’re new to raising chickens, start with 3 to 5 hens.
This is a manageable number for beginners and provides enough eggs for a small family.
Chickens are social animals, so it’s best to have at least three to keep them happy.
As you gain experience, you can always expand your flock!
How to Raise Chickens for Eggs: Before You Go…
Now you know how to raise chickens for eggs!
With the right breed, proper housing, a healthy diet, and good care, you’ll enjoy fresh eggs every day.
Raising chickens is fun, educational, and a great way to become more self-sufficient.
If you’re ready to start, gather your supplies, pick your favorite chicken breeds, and build a cozy coop—soon, you’ll have a happy flock producing delicious eggs for your family!