Layer hens, also known as egg-type chickens are very popular and mostly reared for their eggs. As different breeds of layers exist. With ISA brown chickens being the best breed having the capacity of producing 300 or more eggs annually if they are well catered and cared for. Nutrition is paramount for layers as a diet rich in vital nutrients can mean layers lay more fresh eggs for the hungry consumers. In an age where vaccines and synthetic antibiotics growth/egg promoters are constantly needed to increase and boost egg production, it is imperative to consider the chicken's a status and well-being and also the health status of the consumers, as recent studies and research have shown the negative and detrimental effects synthetically reared chickens and the products they produce have on people who consume them. There is a need to address these effects and also consider safe and cheaper alternatives for use by the chickens. The use of natural herbs and plants can be added into their diets to father complement the nutritional value of the conventional feeds given to them. This term is called phytogenics, and on this thread, I will be showing you a list of common plants, herbs and spices we can add into their feed and/or drinking improve productivity of layers.

1. Ginger: Ginger, being a common spice in our kitchen can also be used for increasing egg production. Rich in antioxidants, it can increase egg productivity of layer birds. Ginger in powdered form can be added and mixed with the feed.

2. Banana leaf: rich in carotene, banana leaves can be added to layers feed two boost production. Banana leaf not only increases the number of eggs laid but also makes the yolk pigments brighter and deep orange in colour.

3 Moringa leaves: Not only do moringa leaves increase egg production, it also increases growth rate and size of brilliance thanks to its high protein content.

4. Neem leaves: Popularly called Dogonyaro, neem leaves can also be used to induce early egg production in layers and increase egg production. It also makes the egg white thicker, yolk brighter and more nutritious.

5. Bitter leaves: Apart from increasing egg production, bitter leaves can also serve as a natural antibiotics for all kinds of birds and treat various ailments of chickens like coccidiosis for example.

6 Thyme leaves: A double combo; improve respiratory health of chickens and increase egg weight. Usually prepared by mixing this dry herb with their feed.

7. Lemongrass: This sweet scented grass can be added to the feed of layers which improves the feed conversion efficiency, which means more eggs are ready to be laid.

8 African basil: Also called scent leaf or efinrin in Yoruba, is an
egg laying stimulant. It not only increases egg production but it gives a deep orange colour to yolks, which entails an increase in more carotene.

9. Aloe vera: The gel of aloe vera leaves can be added to drinking water and the outer covering added to feed. Aloe vera leaves and gel boost egg production and egg weight.

10. Fennel: Fennel seeds improve egg quality and layer egg production.

11. Apple mint: Apple mint leaves also argument egg production and have the ability of cooling their body temperature during hot weather.

How To Use These Herbs
The right usage is important. Since most of these herbs have leaves that are high in nutrients; the best way of making use of them is by drying, blending or pounding and adding it in powdered form into their feed, most of the time, though some extracts can be added into their drinking water too. Making use of nature's gifts for your chickens is super inexpensive for maintaining and improving your layer's health and productivity.. Thank you