How to Support Your Hens Back into Lay
As the days lengthen and flocks begin to shake off the winter slowdown, it’s time to turn attention to supporting hen health as egg production ramps up.
Many poultry keepers will already have noticed the first signs of hens returning to lay. Increasing daylight hours naturally stimulate feeding behaviour and trigger the reproductive cycle. However, while nature provides the signal, hens still require the right nutritional, environmental and health support to meet the significant physical demands of egg development, particularly when it comes to producing strong, healthy eggshells.
Supporting hens back into lay involves a careful balance of high-quality nutrition, a well-managed environment and proactive health care.
Nettex Poultry Expert Serena Kidd explains: “Coming back into lay places significant pressure on a hen’s body. Egg formation requires high levels of protein, calcium and energy, so ensuring the correct balance in the diet and environment is essential if you want strong shells and consistent production.”
Nutrition
Nutrition is the cornerstone of egg production and should be reviewed as hens return to lay.
Protein-rich feed: Hens require between 16–20% protein in their diet to support egg formation. A quality layers’ feed should form the basis of the ration to ensure adequate amino acid intake.
Calcium for shell strength: Eggshells are primarily made of calcium carbonate. Providing a free-choice calcium source, such as crushed oyster shell, allows hens to regulate their intake and supports both shell strength and bone health.
Fresh, clean water: A laying hen can drink up to a pint of water per day. Even short periods of dehydration can halt egg production, so consistent access to clean, fresh water is essential.
Limit high-fat treats: Overfeeding scratch grains or fatty treats can lead to overweight hens, which may negatively impact laying performance. Feeding too many dark, leafy greens can also cause soft shells, so must be fed in moderation.
For additional support during this demanding period, supplementation can help bridge nutritional gaps. Nettex Mineral Boost Powder is specially formulated for hens in lay and contains:
- High levels of limestone, oyster grit and calcium to strengthen shells
- Seaweed to provide natural amino acids and enhance yolk colour
- Prebiotics and minerals to aid digestion
- Aniseed to stimulate appetite and encourage feeding
“Nutrition is the cornerstone of consistent egg production,” adds Serena. “It’s not just about feeding more, it’s about feeding correctly. Ensuring adequate protein, bioavailable calcium and supporting minerals makes a measurable difference to shell strength and bird vitality.”
Environment
While nutrition is critical, environment plays an equally important role in sustaining production.
Light: Hens require 14–16 hours of light to stimulate and maintain egg production. As daylight naturally increases in spring, laying typically follows.
Clean, comfortable housing: Dry, well-ventilated housing reduces disease risk and helps minimise stress. Nesting boxes should be clean, comfortable and well bedded to encourage consistent laying.
Temperature: Maintaining coop temperatures between 10–27°C (50–80°F) helps prevent heat stress in summer and supports production during cooler spells. Extreme temperatures can divert energy away from egg production.
Health
Consistent care and parasite control are essential to maintain laying performance.
Parasite control: Regular checks for mites, lice and worms protect hens from anaemia, reduced immunity and drops in egg production. Proactive housing hygiene, including removing bedding completely from the coop and run during cleans, followed by treatment with products such as Nettex Total Mite Kill and Nettex Buz Busters Louse Powder, helps reduce parasite pressure and maintain a healthy environment.
“Red mite is fundamentally an environmental challenge,” says Serena. “You can treat the bird, but unless you tackle the housing where mites live and breed, the problem will persist. A proactive approach to coop hygiene and treatment is essential, particularly as temperatures rise.”
Stress reduction: Avoid sudden changes in routine, limit unnecessary handling and ensure protection from predators to keep hens calm and productive.
Daily egg collection: Collecting eggs daily prevents breakages, reduces waste and discourages broodiness.
Breed considerations: High-production breeds such as ISA Browns, Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns are well known for consistent egg output.
“The return to lay is a pivotal stage in a hen’s lifecycle. By focusing on balanced nutrition, strong mineral support, a clean and comfortable environment, and proactive health management, poultry keepers can help their hens meet the demands of egg production confidently and sustainably,” adds Serena.
For more information, visit Keeping Chickens | Chicken Healthcare | Nutrition for Chickens
