Anyone who keeps chickens will agree that one of the most satisfying parts of the day is opening up the coop in the morning to find fresh eggs have been laid.
However, sometimes the eggs are not of a very high quality, either in colour, shell strength or yolk condition, for which there could be a simple explanation. We have taken a look at some of the main reasons why your chicken eggs may not be to the best standard and what you can do to change that.
Chickens require a certain amount of nutrition in their diets to help ensure that they are healthy, which will then be passed down to their eggs.
Calcium
Adding calcium to your chicken’s diet will help to shorten the egg production cycle, preventing the chicken from needing to draw calcium from their own bones and legs.
Vitamin D
If your chickens are suffering from a deficiency in vitamin D then it can cause the shell to decalcify, which will lead to eggs of a lesser quality.
Copper, zinc and magnesium
These make up a vital part of the egg structure, playing a role in the formation of the egg membrane.
Fat and linoleic acids
These can be added to your chicken’s diet through vegetable oils, which will have a positive impact on the size of the eggs.
You should try as much as possible to keep the chicken coop clean and hygienic, as this will help them to stay healthy and in turn improve the quality of your eggs. Having a stress free environment is important too, such as having chickens that don’t fight. The temperature needs to be just right too, as extreme heat or cold will have an impact on the eggs.
Keeping your chickens as healthy as possible will lead to better quality eggs. You can help with this by ensuring that your chickens have had any necessary vaccinations and that you consult a vet if you have any health concerns.
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