🧭 Introduction: Do Chickens Need Grit and Oyster Shell? Chicken grit and oyster shell are often marketed together, leading many backyard chicken keepers to believe both are essential for everyday flock health. However, these two products serve completely different purposes—and in many cases, one is far more necessary than the other. Understanding the difference between chicken grit vs oyster shell helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and focus only on what your flock actual

The Importance of Eggshell Quality Eggshell quality is crucial for both the health of your hens and the success of your backyard flock. When eggshells are weak or soft, it can lead to a host of problems. Not only do these eggs have a higher chance of breaking, but they can also indicate that your hens are not receiving the proper nutrition they need. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the factors that affect eggshell quality and how to ensure your hens lay strong, healthy e

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking of our backyard hens as little breakfast makers—drop an egg, repeat daily. But here's the truth: your hens are not Pez dispensers, egg machines, or tiny omelet factories. They're living, breathing animals with complex bodies, natural rhythms, and individual needs. Every egg your hen lays isn't a "product." It's ovulation—a natural reproductive process that takes energy, nutrients, and rest. When we start seeing eggs as a gift in

Strong Bones. Strong Eggs. Strong Hens. As winter shortens the days and sunlight becomes scarce, your laying hens need extra support to stay strong and healthy. Reduced light means less vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption-the mineral your hens rely on for strong bones and eggshells. Chick' N Calcium provides the perfect combination of calcium and vitamin D3 to keep your flock healthy through the darker months and prepare their bodies for the upcoming layi

This blog could contain the most important information you could ever read regarding backyard chickens. Discover how decades of commercial poultry research reveal the key nutritional strategies for healthy hens and consistent, high-quality egg production-lessons every backyard chicken keeper can apply. When it comes to raising healthy, productive hens, no one has studied poultry nutrition more extensively than the commercial egg industry. While backyard flocks are smaller and

My 5 1/2 year old Cochin, still gifting me with eggs. Picture taken August 29th, 2025. Backyard chicken keepers often notice that their flock's egg baskets aren't as full as they once were. A pullet (young hen) that once laid consistently may begin producing fewer eggs as the years go by. While this decline can be frustrating, it's completely natural. Understanding why older hens lay fewer eggs as they age will help you manage expectations and care for your flock with confid

Backyard chicken keeping has become a thrilling hobby for many people. From the joy of collecting fresh eggs to the satisfaction of raising happy hens, there’s plenty to appreciate. One fun surprise for chicken lovers is the appearance of double-yolked eggs. While these eggs are exciting, they may indicate important health considerations for your hens. Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and what it means for your flock. The Mystery of Double-Yolked Eggs Double-y

Laying hens are cherished for their contributions to our farms and households. They provide consistent egg production, and understanding every aspect of their health and reproductive systems is vital. One interesting phenomenon that can occur in laying hens is the formation of lash eggs. What are Lash Eggs? Lash eggs form when a hen develops Salpingitis , an infection or inflammation of the oviduct. The hen’s immune system attempts to contain the infection by producing a waxy

Raising backyard chickens has become a cherished hobby across North America, but with this growth in popularity has come a wave of confusion- especially when it comes to diagnosing a sick hen. One of the most common scenarios? A hen becomes quiet, lethargic or often off her feed and the owner immediately suspects she is "egg bound." While egg binding is a real condition that can be threatening if not addressed quickly, it is far less common than most backyard keepers believe.

Backyard chickens bring so much more than fresh eggs — they’re entertaining companions. But when the egg basket isn’t as full as it used to be, it can feel confusing and frustrating. The truth is, several factors can affect egg production, and understanding them is the first step to helping your flock. Understanding Egg Production A healthy laying hen can produce up to 300 eggs per year, depending on breed, age, health, diet, and environmental conditions. Chickens need the ri

Feeding Eggshells to Chickens: The Basics There’s a common belief among chicken keepers that feeding eggshells to chickens is a good idea. After all, shells are made of calcium carbonate, and chickens need calcium for strong bones and healthy eggs. It seems logical—but when your hens are already on a nutritionally complete layer feed, feeding eggshells to chickens can actually do more harm than good. Understanding Calcium Requirements Laying hens require significant amounts

Ensuring the health and productivity of laying hens requires both knowledge and proper nutrition. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of a hen’s diet is crushed oyster shell . (We offer high-quality crushed oyster shell in both 1 kg and 2 kg sizes — ideal for backyard flocks of all sizes.) This simple supplement can have a significant impact on eggshell strength, egg production, and overall hen health , making it an essential addition for both farmers

For many backyard chicken keepers, collecting clean eggs is a top priority. However, several factors influence how clean your eggs will be. The systems you set up in your coop and run—such as nesting material , litter , and droppings boards —play a key role in ensuring consistently clean eggs. Quick Tips for Collecting Clean Eggs Use sand for litter to help clean hens’ feet before they enter the nest boxes. Install droppings boards under roosts to reduce manure buildup.