Best Chicken Treats That Boost Egg Laying (And What Actually Works)

Every chicken keeper knows the thrill of finding a full nesting box with perfect, warm eggs, and the slight panic when production dips. You start to wonder, “What foods can I give my hens to get things back back on track?” I’ve spent years figuring out which treats actually move the needle and which are just for fun. The answer is often surprising, and it starts with a simple rule.

Before we dive into the fun treats, let’s get the most important principle out of the way: The foundation of consistent egg-laying is a high-quality layer feed. Treats are the supplements, the 10% bonus, not the 90% solution. By understanding this, you’ll be able to support your flock’s health and enjoy a steady supply of fresh eggs for the long term.

The Unskippable Foundation: It’s Not About the Treats (Yet)

Why a Quality Layer Feed is Your #1 “Egg Booster”

An egg is an incredible biological feat. It takes a huge amount of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients for a hen to produce one almost daily. A complete layer feed is scientifically formulated to provide the exact balance of nutrients a hen needs to lay consistently without depleting her own reserves. It’s not just food; it’s a complete dietary plan.

The best feed for layers should have a protein content between 16-18%, along with added calcium to ensure strong eggshells. Whether you choose crumbles or pellets, providing free-choice access to this feed is non-negotiable for consistent production. The balanced amino acids, vitamins A, D, E, and B12 in a commercial feed are what power your flock’s egg-laying engine. As noted by the University of Florida Extension, this complete nutrition is essential for preventing deficiencies. A hen’s digestive system, particularly the gizzard, is highly efficient at processing this dry feed, but it’s crucial that it makes up the bulk of her daily intake to ensure all nutritional needs are met.

The 90/10 Rule: The Secret to Healthy Treating

To ensure your hens get all the nutrients they need, their diet must be made up of 90% complete feed and only 10% treats. Going over this limit, especially with something like scratch grains, dilutes their diet and can lead to thin shells, smaller eggs, or a drop in production. It’s a simple rule that is key to raising happy hens who lay consistently. Over-treating can also lead to obesity, which can cause other health issues like fatty liver and being egg-bound. A handful of treats per hen, per day, is a good visual guideline.

Beyond Feed: Other Factors That Stop Hens From Laying

Even with the best feed, a hen’s production can dip due to other factors. Addressing these is just as important as the diet.

• Stress: Sudden changes, predators, loud noises, or the introduction of new flock members can cause a hen to stop laying. A stressed hen will focus her energy on survival, not reproduction.
• Molting: The natural process of shedding and regrowing feathers requires immense energy and protein. Hens will often stop laying completely during this time, which typically happens once a year in the fall.
• Lack of Light: A hen’s pineal gland relies on 14-16 hours of daylight to stimulate egg production. Reduced light in winter signals a hen’s body to slow or stop laying.
• Age: A hen will lay her most eggs in her first two years. After that, her egg production naturally declines by about 10-20% each year.

The Often-Overlooked Importance of Water

Water is arguably the most critical nutrient for a hen, especially for egg production. An egg is composed of roughly 75% water, so dehydration will immediately impact laying. A hen can stop laying within just 24 hours without access to clean water. During hot weather, they will drink twice as much as they do in temperate conditions, making constant access to a fresh, cool water source non-negotiable.

This fundamental approach to nutrition and environment sets the stage for success. Once you have these basics covered, you can use targeted treats to supplement your flock and boost their performance.

The Best Treats to Boost Egg Production & Quality

Once your flock has a solid nutritional foundation, you can use these supplements to give their egg-laying a boost and improve the quality of their eggs.

Protein Powerhouses (For More Frequent Eggs)

Protein is the primary building block of an egg, from the whites to the yolk. Providing a high-protein supplement can help a hen produce more eggs, especially during times of high demand like a growth spurt or during molting.

• Black Soldier Fly Larvae: These are a fantastic protein source and, unlike mealworms, they also contain high levels of calcium. This makes them a dual-purpose treat for frequent, strong-shelled eggs.
• Mealworms: A classic favorite. While lower in calcium, they are packed with protein and healthy fats.
• Sprouted Grains & Legumes: Sprouting lentils or grains significantly increases their nutrient bioavailability and protein content, making them much more digestible and beneficial than their dry counterparts.

Calcium Champions (For Stronger Shells)

A hen uses about 10% of her body’s total calcium to produce a single eggshell. Without enough, her body will pull calcium from her bones, leading to weak shells and even an egg-bound hen.

• Oyster Shell: This is the absolute best source of bioavailable calcium. It should be offered free-choice in a separate container, not mixed with their feed, so hens can eat it as they need it. It’s a supplement, not a treat.
• Dark Leafy Greens: Kale and spinach are rich in calcium and vitamins.
• Crushed Eggshells: A free and effective source! Simply bake or microwave your used shells to make them brittle and kill any bacteria, then crush them.

Omega-3 & Vitamin Boosters (For Richer Yolks & Healthier Hens)

While not direct egg boosters, these nutrients support a hen’s overall health, which in turn supports consistent laying. They are also responsible for vibrant, deep-colored rich yolks.

• Flax Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds: Both are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Sunflower Seeds: Offer these in moderation as they are high in fat, but they are a great source of amino acids and vitamins.
• Herbs: Marigold flowers are known to enhance yolk color, while parsley and oregano provide a boost of vitamins. Oregano in particular is a natural antibiotic and immune booster.

Does Yogurt Help Chickens Lay More Eggs?

This is a common question. While yogurt is not a direct egg booster, it contains probiotics that can improve a hen’s gut health. A healthy gut means better absorption of nutrients from their feed, which indirectly supports egg production and overall health. Always offer plain, unsweetened yogurt in moderation as part of the 10% treat allowance.

Now that you know what to offer, let’s get creative with how you present these healthy additions to your flock.

How to Make Homemade Egg-Boosting Treats (DIY Recipe)

Making your own treats is a fun way to use your kitchen scraps and ensure your hens are getting exactly what you want them to have. Here’s a simple, actionable recipe.

Flock Block Power Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Black Soldier Fly Larvae or mealworms
• 1/2 cup oats or scratch grains
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
• A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs (parsley or oregano)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fruit or veggies

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.
2. Add the yogurt and mix thoroughly to bind everything. The yogurt acts as a healthy “glue.”
3. Press the mixture into a muffin tin or small loaf pan.
4. Freeze or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let them set.
5. Pop them out and feed to your flock!

A Simple Guide to Fermenting Chicken Feed

Fermenting your flock’s feed is a fantastic way to increase its nutritional value and make it more digestible. This process unlocks beneficial probiotics and vitamins.

The Process:

1. Gather Supplies: A clean, food-grade container (glass or plastic), non-chlorinated water, and your regular layer feed.
2. Combine Ingredients: Fill your container about halfway with feed. Add enough water to cover the feed by 1-2 inches. The feed will expand as it soaks.
3. Ferment: Loosely cover the container to allow gases to escape. Place it in a cool, dark place. Over the next 2-3 days, you’ll see bubbles and a slight sour, yeasty smell—this is a good sign! If it smells rotten or has mold, discard it and start over.
4. Serve: Once it’s ready, strain any excess water and serve to your flock. Feed only what they can consume in one sitting to prevent spoilage.

These homemade treats and fermented feeds are a fun way to engage with your flock and provide a nutrient boost. But what about when nature throws a curveball?

Special Considerations: Winter Laying & Heat Stress

What to Feed Chickens to Lay Eggs in Winter

The shorter days and colder temperatures of winter naturally slow down egg production. To help your hens lay through the colder months, focus on keeping them warm and well-fed. A small amount of scratch grains (like corn) offered in the evening is an old farmer’s trick. The carbohydrates give them a boost of energy to stay warm overnight. Continue providing their main layer feed and high-protein treats during the day. Consider adding a supplemental light source to the coop for 14-16 hours a day to simulate longer daylight hours and maintain production.

Keeping Your Flock Happy & Productive in the Heat

High temperatures pose a significant risk to chickens, as they can’t sweat. To keep them comfortable and laying through the heat of summer:

• Hydrating Treats: Offer cool or frozen treats with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, or berries. Freezing them in a block of ice is a great way to provide a treat and a source of cool water.
• Avoid High-Protein/High-Carb Treats: In extreme heat, it’s best to avoid scratch grains and other high-carb treats, as the digestion process generates internal body heat.
• Cool Water & Coop Management: Provide multiple water sources in shaded areas and add ice cubes to keep the water cool. Ensure the coop has excellent cross-ventilation to prevent heat buildup. You can even use a small fan or mister to create a breeze.

Addressing these seasonal challenges is key to consistent production and a healthy flock year-round. But what about the less-common questions that arise?

Your Top Questions Answered (Myths vs. Facts)

Conclusion

By providing a solid nutritional foundation and supplementing with these healthy, targeted treats, you’re not just boosting egg production—you’re building a stronger, healthier, and happier flock. Remember the 90/10 Rule, listen to your hens, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!