During the hot summer months, egg production in chickens can be significantly affected. The ideal temperature for optimal egg-laying is between 15°C and 25°C. However, when temperatures rise above 28°C, hens tend to experience heat stress, which leads to a noticeable drop in egg production. Eggs may become smaller, with thinner shells—a condition commonly referred to as "summer rest." To maintain or even improve egg production during midsummer, there are several effective strategies you can try.
One method is to add watermelon rind to the chicken feed. By incorporating 20% to 30% freshly chopped watermelon rind into their daily diet, you can help prevent heatstroke and keep the hens cool. This practice has been shown to increase egg production by up to 9%.
Another option is to provide green bean or mung bean soup. These soups have cooling properties and can help detoxify the body. Simply cook mung beans until they split, then offer the broth to the chickens several times a day. This method can boost egg production by around 10.5%.
Providing cold, clean water is also essential. Chickens that drink cool water (with no more than 0.2% salt content) at a rate of 0.15 kg per 1.5 kg of body weight can see an improvement in egg production by up to 12%. Cold water helps stimulate their appetite and supports better digestion.
Adding baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to the feed can help regulate blood pH levels and maintain carbon dioxide balance in the hens’ bodies. Feeding each hen 0.3 grams of baking soda once a day, preferably at noon, can increase egg production by 11% or more.
Citric acid is another beneficial additive. It helps maintain a balanced weight gain and improves overall metabolism. Adding 0.05% to 0.15% citric acid to the daily feed can enhance both egg production and egg size.
Including yeast in the feed can strengthen the chickens' immune systems and improve feed conversion efficiency. Adding 2% to 3% yeast to their daily diet can increase egg production by 10% to 20%, while also reducing feed costs.
Lastly, adding a small amount of aspirin—around 0.05%—to the feed can help chickens dissipate heat more effectively. This not only boosts egg production but also strengthens the eggshell, making it more durable.
By implementing these methods, you can help your laying hens stay healthy and productive even during the hottest days of the year.
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