Finding a soft-shelled or thin-shelled egg in the nest box during a summer heat wave can be alarming. Many backyard chicken keepers immediately assume their hens need more calcium, but that isn't always the case. While calcium is essential for building strong eggshells, hens also require another important ingredient that is often overlooked—carbon dioxide. During periods of extreme heat, laying hens cool themselves by panting. Although panting is necessary to prevent overheat

When it comes to keeping backyard chickens productive, most keepers focus on feed, coop design and health care. But one detail that often gets overlooked is nesting material. What you put inside your hens' nesting box matters more than you might think! The right nesting material not only keeps eggs clean and safe but also reduces breakage and helps prevent parasites. Many people don’t realize how important nest box material is, and as a result, many are using the wrong materi

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

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 instea

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 laying

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

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 o

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 an

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. Use nest