Best Eggs Ever! Backyard Chicken Treat

It’s spring, and yes, the hens are starting to lay again! Which means I get extra concerned about the quality of the eggs they lay.

Improving the egg quality a hen lays has been the subject of many studies.

The egg industry, after all, is concerned about getting as many eggs as possible, and researchers are concerned about the overall health of the eggs laid so people don’t eat contaminated food.

This week’s recipe includes some of the best herbs and other supplements you can give your hens to improve egg quality – and that’s why I’ve called it Best Eggs Ever!™.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, & Oregano For Healthier Eggs

You’ll notice something interesting in Best Eggs Ever!™, which is the Apple Cider Vinegar granules.

If you’ve never heard of ACV granules, it’s really neat stuff: It’s raw apple cider vinegar that has been dehydrated.

In studies, chickens fed apple cider vinegar, were healthier, grew better, and the eggs they laid had lower amounts of pathogens such as salmonella and campylobacter.

Similarly, when they used oregano around their chickens and in the feed, industrial egg farms found that the chickens were healthier and less likely to get sick.

Garlic is also included in Best Eggs Ever!™ because one of the chemical constituents in garlic – allicin – has been shown in studies to improve immune systems and can ward off mites in backyard chickens.

While fresh garlic is great to add to your flock’s water, granulated garlic is the perfect supplement to their regular feed because it can be mixed easier and the hens are more likely to eat it. Sometimes they miss fresh garlic if it’s not in their water.

Oyster Shells for Better Eggshells

If you want to make sure your girls lay nice, strong eggshells, then oyster shells are where it’s at!

All the calcium in them will give your hens the calcium they need so they lay healthy eggshells WITHOUT pulling the calcium from their own bones – which they might do if they aren’t getting enough calcium in their diet.

Oyster shells = better quality of life!

I’ve found that when the oyster shells are mixed with other yummy treats for my hens, they’re more likely to eat it.

Yes, they’ll eat it separately also, but they get wrapped up in the goodies, and down more of the calcium when it’s mixed.

If you don’t have oyster shells on hand, then feel free to substitute crushed eggshells.

Calendula for Better Yolks

You can see here the difference between a farm fresh egg from hens fed calendula and one from the store.

Calendula has a lot of beta carotene in it, which is super healthy for your hens AND will give you those golden yolks you’ve been dreaming of.

That’s why it’s a natural to be included in this recipe! (It also smells HEAVENLY which is an added bonus!)

Lavender & Chamomile for A Relaxed Hen

Hens that are relaxed lay easier and better – and they’re overall healthier than hens who are stressed (and they lay eggs with stronger, more regular shells, rather than wrinkled or abnormal eggs).

Hens also love to nibble on flowers & of course, they enjoy the scent! You can line your nesting boxes with lavender and chamomile, and they’re also great to include in their diet!

Are you ready to make Best Eggs Ever!™??? Here’s the recipe!

Best Eggs Ever!™

Ingredients

¼ c Calendula (buy in the store here)

¼ c Lavender (buy in the store here)

1/4 c Rose Buds (buy in the store here)

¼ c Alfalfa

¼ c Chamomile (buy in the store here)

¼ tsp granulated Garlic (buy in the store here)

¼ tsp Apple Cider Vinegar granules (buy in the store here)

1 tbsp Oregano (buy in the store here)

1 tbsp Parsley (buy in the store here)

1 tbsp Oyster Shells

Directions

Mix all ingredients together and serve as part of a complete diet. You can feed separately or with their regular layer feed. Feed Best Eggs Ever!™ to layers and adult roosters.