

As the ground thaws and the days get longer, spring becomes the season gardeners wait for all year. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, a bit of planning can make all the difference in how your garden thrives. Spring gardening isn’t just about planting—it’s about preparing your soil, choosing the right seeds, understanding your climate, and setting your space up for success.
A good place to start is with your soil. After a long winter, soil often needs a refresh. Loosening it up, checking drainage, and adding organic matter like compost gives your plants the nutrients they need right from the start. Spring is also when many gardeners reach for a balanced fertilizer—10‑10‑10 is a classic choice—to give lawns, beds, and vegetables a helpful boost.
Next comes the fun part: choosing what to grow. Spring is prime time for hardy vegetables, cold‑tolerant flowers, and seed starting. If you want a head start, using a seed starting mix can make a world of difference by creating the ideal environment for germination. Just be sure to match your choices with your region’s frost dates—some plants love early cool weather, while others will need to wait.
Spring is also the perfect time to think about pollinators and biodiversity. Incorporating native plants, adding a pollinator water source, or planting early blooms can help bees, birds, and butterflies shake off the winter along with you. If you’re a wild bird enthusiast, consider refreshing feeders, cleaning birdbaths, and adding bird‑safe window decals to keep visiting species protected.
Another key consideration is garden cleanup—but with intention. While it’s tempting to tidy everything immediately, waiting until temperatures consistently reach 10°C (50°F) gives overwintering pollinators a safe chance to emerge. When you do clean, removing debris, trimming perennials, and preparing beds helps reduce pests and opens space for new growth.
Finally, spring is a chance to rethink your garden layout. Maybe you’re adding raised beds, expanding your veggie patch, or switching to pollinator‑friendly landscaping. Dream big—spring is all about fresh starts.
With the right preparations and a little seasonal knowledge, your garden will reward you all spring and summer long. So grab your gloves, dust off your tools, and dig into the season—it’s time to grow!
More great resources on getting your garden started:
How to Start Seeds, by Halifax Seed Co.: https://www.halifaxseed.ca/tips/seed-starting-101
Canada Hardiness Zones, by Veseys: https://www.veseys.com/ca/canada-hardiness-zones-frost-dates
Garden Planning, by Feeds’n Needs: https://feedsnneeds.ca/advices/garden-layout-garden-starting/


Garden Layout: What to Consider When Starting Your Garden
Planning your garden layout is one of the most exciting steps in kicking off a new growing season. Whether you’re a first‑time gardener or expanding an existing space, a thoughtful layout helps you grow healthier plants, save time, and enjoy a more productive garden all season long. Here’s what to consider as you map out your perfect garden.
- Sunlight: The Most Important Factor
Most vegetables and flowers need 6–8 hours of sunlight each day. Spend a day observing your yard to see where the sun falls in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Place sun‑loving plants (tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs) in the brightest spots.
- Save shadier areas for greens and cool‑season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, and peas.
- Soil Quality & Preparation
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden.
- Test your soil or simply observe texture: is it sandy, clay-heavy, or rich and dark?
- Add compost or organic matter to improve drainage and boost nutrients.
- Consider raised beds if your soil is difficult to work with—they warm faster in spring and offer great control.
- Water Access
Make watering simple.
- Choose a location close to a hose or rain barrel.
- Avoid layouts that require dragging hoses around obstacles.
- Plan for even watering—group plants with similar moisture needs together.
- Pathways & Access
Think ahead to weeding, harvesting, and daily care.
- Leave comfortable walking paths between rows or beds.
- Avoid planting too tightly—good airflow prevents disease.
- Make sure tools and wheelbarrows can easily reach your garden space.
- Plant Spacing & Growth Habits
Different plants have very different sizes and shapes once mature.
- Place tall crops like corn, sunflowers, or trellised peas on the north side so they don’t cast shade over smaller plants.
- Give sprawling plants (squash, pumpkins, cucumbers) plenty of room—or grow them vertically on trellises to save space.
- Follow spacing recommendations on seed packets for best results.
- Garden Layout Style
Choose a layout that fits your space, goals, and lifestyle:
Rows
Traditional, easy to maintain, and great for larger gardens.
Raised Beds
Excellent organization, improved drainage, and reduced bending.
Square‑Foot Gardening
Maximizes yield in small spaces with neat, efficient planting grids.
Container Gardens
Perfect for decks, patios, and renters—grow herbs, greens, tomatoes, and more.
- Companion Planting
Pairing compatible plants can boost growth and deter pests.
- Basil with tomatoes
- Marigolds near almost anything to help reduce pests
- Carrots with onions to discourage carrot flies
- Wildlife & Pest Considerations
Consider fencing or natural deterrents if you share your space with deer, rabbits, or raccoons.
- Raised beds, row covers, or simple fencing can protect young seedlings.
- Native plants nearby attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.
- Plan for the Future
A good garden layout grows with you.
- Leave room for new crops you may want to try next year.
- Consider where perennials (strawberries, rhubarb, herbs) will live long-term.
- Think about adding compost bins, rain barrels, or a tool area.
Ready to Start Planting?
A thoughtful layout sets the stage for a more productive, enjoyable gardening season. By taking time to consider sunlight, soil, spacing, and long‑term goals, you’ll create a garden that’s easy to maintain and rewarding to grow.


Seed Starting in Spring: What to Start & When
Seed Starting Guide for Atlantic Canada: What to Plant and When
Spring is the perfect time to get a jump on your garden by starting seeds indoors—especially in Atlantic Canada, where our last frost typically lands in early to mid‑May.
What to Start Indoors (and When)
Here’s a simple timeline based on regional planting calendars:
Early March
Start longer-season veggies like onions and leeks, which benefit from early indoor sowing. Both can be started in early March and transplanted outdoors in May.
Mid-March
This is when many popular garden plants can be started indoors, including:
- Basil (germinates in 5–21 days; transplant early June)
- Cabbage
- Celery (for experienced growers—germinates slowly)
These plants appreciate a few extra weeks of indoor warmth before heading outside.
Late March to Early April
As days brighten, start quicker growers like broccoli, bok choy, zinnias, marigolds, and other annual flowers to enjoy a colourful early-summer display. Many flowers—like zinnias and marigolds—are commonly started this time of year in cold climates.
Direct Sowing Outdoors
Once frost danger has passed—around mid-May in much of Atlantic Canada—you can directly sow hardy crops like:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Arugula
These can be seeded outdoors shortly after soil becomes workable.
Final Tips
- Always check your seed packets—they’re your best source for timing guidance.
- It’s better to plant a little later than too early, especially in cooler regions.
- If in doubt, base your schedule around your local last frost date to keep seedlings healthy and on track.
Stop into Feeds’n Needs to ask our experts for all your gardening needs.
More information about local frost dates: Canada Hardiness Zones Frost Dates | Veseys
Growing from Seeds | Veseys


Types of seeds: Heirloom, Hybrid, Open Pollenated
When planning your garden, the type of seeds you choose influences everything – from flavour and appearance to how well your plants grow and whether you can save seeds for next year. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the main seed types and how they connect to seed saving.
Heirloom Seeds
Heirloom seeds come from plant varieties that have been passed down through generations, often 50 years or more. Their genetics remain stable because they come from open‑pollinated plants that naturally reproduce true to type.
Why gardeners love them:
- Amazing flavours and unique colours
- Rich history and biodiversity
- You can save seeds, and they’ll grow true year after year
Best for:
Gardeners who love tradition, character, and seed-saving.
Hybrid Seeds
Hybrid seeds are created by intentionally crossing two parent plants to produce offspring with specific traits like disease resistance or higher yields.
Benefits:
- Strong, uniform plants
- Improved productivity
- Better resistance to pests and disease
Important to know:
Hybrid seeds won’t grow true if you save their seeds. The next generation will be unpredictable, often reverting to characteristics of the parent plants.
Best for:
Gardeners who want reliability and consistent results.
Open‑Pollinated Seeds
Open‑pollinated seeds come from plants pollinated naturally by wind, insects, or animals. Their genetics are stable, meaning they will produce plants similar to the parent.
Why they’re great:
- Seeds can be saved and replanted
- Wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavours
- Great for gardeners who want dependable results
All heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, but not all open-pollinated seeds are heirloom.
Saving Seeds: What You Need to Know
Seed saving is a rewarding way to maintain your favourite varieties and reduce gardening costs. But success depends on starting with the right types of seeds.
Best seeds for saving:
- Heirloom
- Open‑pollinated
These seeds will reproduce true to type, giving you plants that match the parent.
Seeds not recommended for saving:
- Hybrid: Hybrids won’t produce consistent offspring, so saved seeds usually lead to surprises not always good ones!
Tips for saving seeds:
- Choose healthy, vigorous plants as parents.
- Allow fruits or flowers to fully mature before collecting seeds.
- Dry seeds thoroughly before storing.
- Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.
Understanding seed types helps you make confident choices in your garden. Whether you love the charm of heirlooms, the strength of hybrids, or the dependability of open‑pollinated seeds, there’s a place for each in a thriving garden. And if you enjoy the idea of growing your own “garden legacy,” seed saving is the perfect next step.
References:
3 Main Types of Vegetable Seeds Explained – Food Gardening Network
Veseys Facebook Page


Cleaning Your Horse Track for Riding Season
As winter fades and riding season approaches, giving your horse track a thorough clean‑up is one of the best ways to set the stage for safer, smoother training sessions. A well‑maintained track supports better footing, prevents injuries, and keeps your horse performing at their best. Here’s how to get your track ride‑ready this spring.
- Clear Away Debris
Start by walking the track and removing any fallen branches, rocks, leaves, or broken fencing that may have accumulated over the winter. Even small debris can throw off footing or create hazards for horses moving at speed.
- Check Drainage
Spring melt can leave tracks damp or uneven. Take note of puddles or soft spots—these often indicate drainage issues. Clearing ditches, leveling low areas, or adding drainage material helps ensure a safer, more consistent surface.
- Repair Fencing & Perimeter Areas
Inspect the track edges and fencing for winter damage. Replace loose boards, tighten wire, and ensure gates latch properly. A secure, well‑marked boundary helps keep horses focused and riders safe.
- Groom the Footing
Footing makes all the difference. Use a harrow or drag to break up compacted areas, redistribute material, and smooth the surface. This reduces strain on your horse’s joints and provides even traction throughout the track.
If your footing feels thin or uneven, consider adding fresh material—sand, screenings, or specialized footing—depending on what your track is built from.
- Address Dust Early
As temperatures rise, dust becomes a common challenge. Watering the track or using dust‑control products helps maintain visibility and comfort for both horse and rider.
- Inspect Jumps & Training Equipment
If your track includes jumps or training markers, give them a spring tune‑up. Check for loose screws, broken poles, rotted wood, and faded markers. Safe, clearly visible equipment supports better training sessions.
- Create a Maintenance Routine
Once your track is clean and ready for spring, keep it that way with a simple weekly routine—dragging, debris checks, and moisture management go a long way toward preserving footing and preventing wear.
Ready, Set, Ride!
With a bit of spring prep, your horse track can be safe, comfortable, and ready for a great riding season ahead. A clean, well‑maintained surface doesn’t just look good—it protects your horse’s health and helps every ride feel better.


Nesting Boxes: Prep Your Backyard for Spring Birds!
As winter fades and the first signs of spring begin to appear, birds across your neighbourhood are searching for safe, cozy places to raise their young. Adding nesting boxes to your backyard is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to support local bird populations while enjoying a little more feathered charm right outside your window. Here’s how to get your backyard spring‑ready for nesting season!
Why Nesting Boxes Matter
Natural tree cavities are becoming harder for birds to find, especially in urban and suburban areas. Nesting boxes provide:
- Safe shelter from predators
- Protection from spring weather
- A dedicated space for raising chicks
- A way to attract more bird species to your backyard
From chickadees to bluebirds, many species rely on human‑made nest boxes as part of their spring routine.
Choose the Right Nesting Box
Not all birds use the same type of nest box. Before buying or installing one, consider:
Hole Size
Different birds need different entrance sizes:
- Chickadees: ~1 1/8″
- Bluebirds: ~1 1/2″
- Tree swallows: ~1 1/2″
Matching the size helps attract the right species and keep unwanted visitors out.
Material
Look for untreated wood (pine, cedar, spruce). Avoid plastic or thin materials, which can trap heat and moisture.
Ventilation & Drainage
Quality nesting boxes include vents at the top and drainage at the bottom to keep chicks dry and comfortable.
Where to Place Your Nesting Box
Placement matters! For best success:
- Mount boxes 5–10 feet off the ground
- Face them east or southeast to avoid harsh afternoon sun
- Keep away from heavy foot traffic and high‑activity areas
- Space boxes well apart to reduce competition between species
- Ensure there’s open flight access to avoid thick branches blocking the entrance
If you’re installing multiple boxes for species like bluebirds or tree swallows, consider placing them in pairs or clusters to reduce territorial disputes.
Clean & Prep Before Spring
Before birds begin searching for homes (usually late February into March), take a few minutes to:
- Clean out old nesting material
- Remove debris, broken pieces, or old bedding
- Check screws, roofs, and panels for winter wear
- Make sure drainage holes are clear
- Secure the box tightly so it won’t wobble in the wind
A clean, sturdy box increases your chances of hosting a successful brood.
Help Make Nesting Season a Success
Little touches can make your yard even more inviting:
- Offer natural nesting materials like twigs, dried grasses, or pet‑safe fur
- Provide fresh water in a clean birdbath
- Avoid using pesticides as birds rely on insects to feed their chicks
- Add bird feeders nearby to help parents refuel throughout the day
A supportive environment encourages birds to stay and return year after year.
Enjoy a Spring Full of Song
Setting up nesting boxes is a simple, affordable way to enjoy more bird activity this spring while supporting local wildlife. With the right placement, maintenance, and materials, your backyard could become a safe nursery for some of your favourite feathered friends.


How to Prevent Frostbite in Chickens
Cold weather can be tough on backyard flocks, and frostbite is one of the most common winter challenges for chicken owners. Understanding what frostbite is, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it can make all the difference in keeping your birds healthy and comfortable.
What Is Frostbite in Chickens?
Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, typically affecting a chicken’s comb, wattles, and sometimes feet. Because these areas have small surface areas, frostbite can set in quickly—especially during extreme cold or wind chills. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage.
Signs of Frostbite
Watch for these symptoms:
- Early Stage: Combs and wattles turn gray; feet may appear dark red.
- Advanced Stage: Swelling in large combs and wattles, blackened tissue, or necrotic areas. Severe frostbite often cannot be reversed.
Chickens are good at hiding discomfort, so knowing their normal behavior helps you spot problems early.
What to Do If Frostbite Occurs
If you notice frostbite:
- Warm Slowly: Use a warm, damp cloth on combs and wattles for 15–20 minutes. For feet, a shallow lukewarm bath works well. Avoid rapid warming or rubbing the tissue.
- Isolate & Monitor: Place the bird in a warm, draft-free area with deep bedding. Apply a hydrogel spray to promote healing.
- Watch for Infection: Severe cases may involve blisters or tissue loss—contact a vet if needed.
What Temperature Puts Chickens at Risk?
When temps drop below 32°F (0°C)—especially with wind chill—frostbite becomes a real threat. Roosters and breeds with large combs are most vulnerable. Daily checks and proper shelter are essential.
7 Tips to Prevent Frostbite
- Apply a Protective Salve: Use coconut oil or bag balm on combs and wattles (avoid Vaseline in extreme cold—it can freeze).
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Good airflow prevents moisture buildup, reducing frostbite risk.
- Provide Electrolytes & Vitamins: These can help birds cope with cold stress.
- Create Ample Roosting Space: Chickens huddle for warmth—make sure everyone has room.
- Avoid Open Water Bowls: Use nipple waterers to prevent wet feathers and feet.
- Keep Bedding Dry: Damp bedding increases frostbite risk. Use deep litter and refresh often.
- Add a Safe Heat Source: In extreme cold, consider a heating panel or caged lamp (avoid fire hazards).
Can Chickens Recover From Frostbite?
Recovery takes time—often 4–6 weeks. Dead tissue will slough off naturally, leaving healthy tissue behind. The biggest risk is infection, so monitor closely and consult a vet if needed.
Conclusion
With proper care—dry bedding, good ventilation, and a few preventive measures—you can keep your flock safe and healthy all winter long. Here’s to happy hens and a frostbite-free season!


Chickens: Your Garden’s Best Friend
Integrating chickens into your gardening routine can transform your backyard into a thriving, eco-friendly oasis. These natural foragers offer numerous benefits, from pest control to soil health improvement. Here’s how chickens can work wonders for your garden.
Benefits of Chickens in Your Garden
Chickens can be your garden’s best helpers without causing damage to your plants. Here are some key benefits they provide:
1. Natural Pest Control
Chickens have an instinct to forage for insects, happily feasting on bugs that threaten your plants. This chemical-free solution helps manage pests effectively. By eating harmful insects, larvae, and eggs, chickens reduce pest populations and keep your garden healthy, minimizing the need for pesticides.
2. Organic Fertilizer
Chicken manure is a valuable resource, boasting one of the highest N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratios among livestock manures. It enhances soil fertility and contains ample calcium, benefiting your plants. When composted, chicken manure can:
- Improve soil moisture retention
- Enhance soil structure
- Promote stronger root development
- Increase disease resistance in plants
- Slowly release essential nutrients into the soil
For tips on composting chicken manure, check out resources like “Composting Chicken Manure.”
3. Soil Aeration
As chickens scratch around for bugs and weed seeds, they naturally aerate the soil. Aerated soil improves water penetration, leading to healthier root growth. Chickens help turn over the top layers of soil, maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem without heavy tilling.
4. Reducing Garden Waste
Chickens are excellent at cleaning up garden scraps. Instead of tossing thinned seedlings, pruned branches, and unwanted weeds, let your chickens forage through the remnants. They’ll eagerly eat:
- Thinned plants
- Pruned clippings and deadheads
- Weeds
- Damaged or overripe fruits and vegetables
In the fall, chickens can save you time by cleaning up remaining produce and fertilizing the soil with their manure, preparing your garden for the next planting season.
5. Weed Control
Weeds can be a constant headache, but chickens are happy to help. They’ll eat almost any plant, including weeds. You can feed your chickens the weeds you pull or let them roam freely to do the weeding for you. Just protect your crops, as chickens might mistake them for weeds too. Most weeds are safe for chickens to consume and can be part of their natural diet.
Common Garden Pests Chickens Love to Eat
Chickens are excellent at controlling a variety of garden pests commonly found in the Maritimes. Here are some of the most common pests they love to eat:
Beetles
Chickens will happily feast on beetles, including Japanese beetles and cucumber beetles. These pests can cause significant damage to your plants, but chickens help keep their populations in check.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars, such as cabbage worms and tomato hornworms, can be devastating to your garden. Chickens will eagerly hunt down and eat these pests, protecting your leafy greens and other crops.
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers can quickly defoliate plants, but chickens are excellent at catching and eating them. This helps prevent the extensive damage grasshoppers can cause.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are notorious for munching on tender plants, especially in damp conditions. Chickens will seek out and eat these slimy pests, reducing their numbers and protecting your garden.
Aphids
Aphids can weaken plants by sucking sap from their leaves and stems. While chickens may not eat aphids directly, they will consume the ants that farm aphids, indirectly helping to control aphid populations.
Cutworms
Cutworms can sever young plants at the base, causing significant damage. Chickens will dig up and eat these pests, preventing them from harming your seedlings.
Earwigs
Earwigs can be a nuisance in the garden, feeding on seedlings and soft fruits. Chickens will happily eat earwigs, helping to keep their numbers down.
Ants
While ants themselves are not a major threat to plants, they farm aphids and other pests. Chickens will eat ants, disrupting this relationship and helping to control aphid populations.
Moths and Flies
Chickens will also eat moths and flies, including their larvae. This helps reduce the number of pests that can damage your plants.
Ticks
Ticks can be a problem for both humans and animals. Chickens will eat ticks, helping to reduce their numbers and lower the risk of tick-borne diseases.
Crickets
Crickets can cause damage to young plants and seedlings. Chickens will hunt and eat crickets, protecting your garden from these pests.
By allowing chickens to roam your garden, you can naturally reduce the populations of these common pests, leading to healthier plants and a more productive garden. Just remember to protect beneficial insects and your crops from being mistaken for pests!
Conclusion
Integrating chickens into your garden can provide a range of benefits, from natural pest control to enriching your soil with organic fertilizer. Chickens make great gardeners, assisting with aeration, weed removal, and reducing garden waste. Plus, their manure is a potent resource for creating a healthy, fertile environment for your plants.


Egg Collection and Storage: Best Practices for Fresh Eggs
Let’s dive into the essential practices for egg collection and storage to ensure you get the freshest and safest eggs from your flock. Here’s a detailed guide to help you manage your eggs effectively, including tips on what to do with extra eggs.
Egg Collection
Hens typically lay one egg a day, usually in the morning. Depending on the size of your flock, you may need to check for eggs more than once in a 24-hour period. Frequent checks are encouraged to prevent eggs from being accidentally stepped on or soiled.
Steps for Collecting Eggs:
- Timing: Wait until the hen has left the nesting box to collect eggs. Many backyard chicken keepers find that checking right after feeding is an ideal time.
- Handling Broody Hens: If you have a broody hen (one wanting to hatch her eggs), you might encounter some resistance. Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from pecks. Gently shoo her out of the nest if necessary.
Cleaning Eggs
Eggs are naturally coated with a thin protective layer called a bloom, which helps protect the egg’s pores from bacteria. It’s important not to wash your eggs immediately after collecting them, as washing removes the bloom and makes the egg more vulnerable to bacteria.
Proper Cleaning Method:
- Warm Water: Submerge eggs in clean, warm water (not cold) and gently scrub them with a soft vegetable brush.
- Avoid Cold Water: Cold water can cause the egg to shrink inside the shell, promoting bacterial growth.
- Drying: Dry the eggs with a towel and allow them to air dry before storing them in the fridge.
Egg Storage
Unlike store-bought eggs, your fresh eggs are coming in daily, so it’s important to track when each egg was laid. To ensure you use the oldest eggs first, consider storing your eggs in a dated carton or writing the collection date directly on the eggshell with a pencil.
Storage Tips:
- Unwashed Eggs: If you plan to store eggs unwashed, they can be kept on the counter for a short period. Remember to give them a light scrub just before using.
- Refrigerated Eggs: For longer storage, keep eggs in the fridge. Properly cleaned and dried eggs can last several weeks when refrigerated.
Managing Extra Eggs
If you find yourself with an abundance of eggs, here are some ideas on how to manage and utilize them:
- Preserving Eggs:
- Freezing: Crack the eggs into a bowl, beat them lightly, and pour them into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Once frozen, transfer the egg cubes to a freezer bag for long-term storage.
- Pickling: Hard-boil the eggs and pickle them in a vinegar-based solution for a tasty, long-lasting treat.
- Sharing with Community:
- Sell or Donate: Share your surplus eggs with neighbours, friends, or local food banks. Fresh, homegrown eggs are always appreciated.
- Bartering: Trade your eggs for other goods or services within your community.
- Cooking and Baking:
- Recipes: Use extra eggs in various recipes such as quiches, frittatas, custards, and baked goods. Eggs are versatile and can be incorporated into many dishes.
By following these best practices for egg collection, cleaning, and storage, you can ensure your eggs remain fresh and safe to eat. Additionally, managing extra eggs effectively can help you make the most of your flock’s productivity. Happy egg collecting!
Related Blogs:
How Long are Farm Fresh Eggs Good For


Encouraging Egg Laying
Whether you have a few backyard chickens or a coop full of hens providing eggs to your community, there are several helpful tips to naturally encourage your chickens to lay more eggs.
How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs?
Typically, a hen will begin laying eggs around 18 to 22 weeks of age. Once they start, hens can lay an egg nearly every day, with most chickens producing about one egg daily. However, the egg creation process takes about 24 to 26 hours. Therefore, hens generally lay about six eggs a week, although egg production tends to slow down during the fall moult and winter months.
What Affects Egg Laying?
To maximize egg production, it’s important to keep your chickens healthy and stress-free. Several factors can influence how often your hens lay:
- Age: Very young hens can naturally have inconsistent laying patterns up until their first year. Egg production typically starts to decrease gradually as hens age, particularly after 2 or 3 years old. However, most hens will continue to lay eggs until they’re between 5 and 8 years old.
- Moulting: Moulting, which happens in the fall, is when hens shed old feathers and grow new ones. During this time, hens will stop laying eggs.
- Less Daylight: As the days get shorter in the winter, hens will naturally slow down or stop laying eggs due to reduced sunlight exposure. For optimal egg production, hens need about 14 hours of light and about 8 hours of darkness each day.
- Not Enough Calcium: Calcium is essential for egg production since eggshells are made almost entirely of calcium. If your hens aren’t getting enough calcium, it can negatively affect both their egg production and overall health.
- Low Protein: A lack of protein can lead to reduced egg laying. In warmer months, hens can forage for insects that provide them with this essential nutrient. But during winter, when the ground is frozen and covered in snow, they can’t get the same amount of natural protein.
- Stress: Stress from illness, injury, or the presence of predators can cause hens to stop laying eggs. Chickens are naturally prey animals and will retreat from egg production when they feel threatened.
- Overall Health: Keeping your chickens free from parasites and diseases is essential for their well-being and their ability to lay eggs regularly.
Natural Ways to Boost Egg Production
If your hens are in their prime laying years (6 months to 3 years old) and you notice a drop in eggs, there are a few natural strategies to try and increase egg production:
- Increase Protein Intake:
- Winter months can be particularly tough for your hens to get enough protein, so try feeding them extra protein-rich foods twice a day. Since it takes about 24 hours to make an egg, adding extra protein after your hens lay an egg can help them start the next cycle of egg-laying more efficiently.
- Provide Calcium:
- Calcium is critical for hens to lay strong eggs. To supplement their diet, keep a container of crushed oyster shells in the coop for free access. You can also save your eggshells, dry them out, and crush them to feed back to your chickens.
- Add Supplemental Light:
- As daylight shortens in the winter, egg production can drop. You can help maintain production by adding a light source to the coop. A chicken heat bulb on a timer to provide at least 14 hours of light a day can encourage your hens to continue laying.
- Maintain a Clean and Safe Coop:
- A clean, stress-free environment is crucial for laying hens. Chickens are naturally wary of predators, so it’s important to secure your coop to prevent any potential threats. Make sure the coop temperature stays between 4-32°C (40-90°F) and provide soft, clean bedding for nesting. A regularly cleaned coop, with fresh bedding added weekly, helps maintain good health and ensures your hens are productive and comfortable.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your hens lay eggs consistently and remain healthy and happy. Happy egg-laying!