How do I choose laying hens?
Breeds differ in how many eggs they lay, egg color, temperament and weather tolerance. Ask local keepers which breeds do well in your area. Some lay heavily for a short time, while others lay steadily for longer.
Starting with chicks is cheaper but takes patience and a brooder. Started pullets cost more but lay sooner. Either way, buy from a source with healthy stock and ask about disease testing.
Ask the seller how old the birds are and what vaccines they have had. Older hens may already be past their best laying years, and a clear answer helps you plan.
What housing and nest setup works?
Hens need a dry, ventilated coop with roost space and clean nest boxes. A common rule among keepers is one nest box for several hens, but ask your extension office what suits your breed and flock size.
Dark, quiet boxes encourage hens to lay inside them. Eggs laid on the ground get dirty, cracked or eaten. Clean bedding often, and collect eggs every day.
Give hens a dust bathing spot and room to scratch. Birds that can behave naturally are less likely to peck each other, and they tend to stay healthier.
- Roosts for every bird
- Nest boxes in a calm, dark corner
- Dry bedding
- Good airflow without drafts
What do laying hens eat?
Laying hens need feed made for layers, which has the nutrients to support egg production and shell strength. Offer grit and a calcium source if your feed supplier recommends it. Treats and scraps should be a small part of the diet.
Water is just as important. A hen without clean water for even part of a day can drop production. Keep waterers clean and thaw them in winter.
Resist the urge to change feeds often. Birds do best with a steady diet, and sudden changes can cause a drop in laying for a while.
Why did my hens stop laying?
Laying changes with the seasons, the age of the bird, molting, stress and health. Shorter days slow production, and many hens pause in winter. Molting hens use their energy to regrow feathers.
If a flock stops suddenly, look for stress such as predators, heat, illness, changes in feed or lack of water. Call a vet or extension agent if birds look unwell.
A record of daily egg counts is one of the best tools you have. A slow decline over days tells you something is changing, and the notes help your vet or extension agent help you.
- Short winter days
- Molting
- Heat or cold stress
- Poor feed or water
- Disease or parasites
- Aging hens
How do I handle and store eggs safely?
Eggs can carry germs such as Salmonella on the shell or inside. Collect often, discard cracked eggs, and keep eggs clean. Ask the CDC or your state agriculture department for guidance on washing and storing eggs, since advice differs depending on how eggs are handled.
Cook eggs thoroughly, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a weak immune system. Wash hands after handling birds and eggs.
Can I sell eggs?
Rules on selling eggs differ by state and sometimes county. They may cover labeling, cartons, refrigeration, flock size and licenses. Contact your state department of agriculture before selling or giving away eggs beyond your household. Selling at a market or farm stand may also bring requirements for refrigeration and keeping records of sales.
Also consider your costs. Feed, bedding and equipment often exceed what small flock eggs would earn at a low price, so enjoy the eggs without expecting profit.
If you decide to sell, a handwritten sign at the gate may still need to follow labeling rules, so ask first rather than assuming.
What about older hens?
Hens lay less as they age, but they may still be good pets and pest control. Decide in advance what you will do with hens that stop laying, whether keep them, process them or rehome them.
Coops should have a plan for sick birds too. Ask your vet about humane options. Keeping a few records helps you decide which birds to keep.
Some keepers add a few new hens each year so egg production stays even instead of falling off all at once.
- Keep for pest control and companionship
- Process for stewing meat if rules allow
- Rehome to someone who wants pets
- Ask your vet about humane euthanasia for sick birds
Key takeaways
- Egg laying changes with age, season, molting and stress.
- Layer feed, clean water and calm nest boxes support steady laying.
- Handle eggs carefully and follow food safety guidance.
- Check state rules before selling eggs.
- Keep daily egg counts to spot problems early.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.