By Dr. Maral Rahmani
PoultryMed Veterinary Services
August 2025
Introduction
High-quality eggs and consistent production are essential for both commercial poultry farmers and backyard keepers. Poor egg quality, thin shells, misshapen eggs, or irregular laying, often results from nutritional deficiencies, stress, poor housing, or health issues. Fortunately, simple strategies can significantly improve both egg quality and laying consistency.
1. Provide a Balanced Diet
Why it matters: Nutrition is the foundation for healthy eggs.
Tips:
- Feed a balanced layer diet with 16–20% protein.
- Include calcium sources like oyster shell or crushed limestone for strong shells.
- Offer fresh greens, grains, and occasional fruits for added nutrients.
- Provide grit to aid digestion.
- Older hens may need extra calcium to prevent thin shells.
2. Ensure Constant Access to Clean Water
Why it matters: Water affects egg size, shell quality, and overall health.
Tips:
- Check waterers multiple times daily.
- Provide extra water during hot weather.
- Use filtered or treated water if local supply is hard or chlorinated.
- Add a small electrolyte solution during heatwaves to maintain hydration.
3. Maintain Proper Housing Conditions
Why it matters: Temperature, ventilation, and light directly affect laying.
Tips:
- Keep housing well-ventilated to reduce heat and ammonia.
- Provide perches and nesting boxes,1 per 4–5 hens.
- Use consistent lighting (14–16 hours for layers).
- Ensure nests are clean, dry, and comfortable.
- Soft bedding encourages hens to lay in nests rather than on the floor.
4. Reduce Stress
Why it matters: Stress leads to missed or poor-quality eggs.
Tips:
- Handle hens calmly and consistently.
- Avoid overcrowding.
- Minimize sudden loud noises and predator threats.
- Provide enrichment like perches, dust baths, and outdoor areas.
- Hanging cabbage heads or scattering grains reduces boredom and stress.
5. Monitor Health and Parasites
Why it matters: Illness or parasites reduce egg size and shell strength.
Tips:
- Perform regular health checks and isolate sick birds.
- Control internal and external parasites safely.
- Keep vaccination and biosecurity programs updated.
- Worm infestations reduce nutrient absorption, regular checks are essential.
6. Collect Eggs Frequently
Why it matters: Frequent collection prevents dirty, cracked, or eaten eggs.
Tips:
- Collect eggs 2–3 times daily.
- Store eggs in a cool, dry place immediately.
- Avoid stacking eggs too high.
- Label eggs with collection dates to track freshness and laying trends.
7. Track and Adjust Laying Patterns
Why it matters: Observing trends helps identify problems early.
Tips:
- Keep a laying diary noting egg size, shell quality, and frequency.
- Adjust feed, housing, lighting, or stress factors as needed.
- Plan for seasonal or age-related changes with supplements or management adjustments.
- Supplemental lighting in winter helps maintain consistent laying cycles.
8. Seasonal Considerations
Why it matters: Temperature, daylight, and feed availability fluctuate with seasons.
Tips:
- In hot weather: provide shade, extra water, and electrolytes.
- In cold weather: ensure draft-free housing and energy-rich feed.
- Adjust lighting in winter to maintain laying cycles.
9. Encourage Natural Behaviors
Why it matters: Hens that can express natural behaviors lay better eggs.
Tips:
- Provide dust baths for feather and skin health.
- Allow scratching and foraging to reduce stress.
- Avoid barren cages—space and stimulation matter.
Conclusion
Improving egg quality and consistency is achievable with balanced nutrition, clean water, proper housing, stress reduction, health monitoring, and seasonal adjustments. Simple, practical changes in daily management can significantly enhance egg production and flock welfare, benefiting both your hens and your farm’s productivity.
