Each hen needs 5 or 6 inches of feeder space. The feeder should be as high off the floor as the hens' backs or approximately 7 to 9 inches. If hens are not fed a good laying diet, they will not perform at their optimum rate. You must be sure the proper diet is fed and that the hens have enough to eat. Do not fill the feeder over half full.
Excess feed causes waste.
Feed is the most expensive part of keeping home flocks but, for each 4 to 5 pounds of feed, a good, healthy hen provides a dozen eggs. Keep the feed in a dry place. For maximum egg production, laying hens need at least 14 hours of light each day. Hens are exposed to long day lengths in spring and summer and have high egg production. This day length should be maintained or egg production will drop as the day length decreases in fall and winter.