How to Improve Flock Health and Egg Quality

By Erin Flowers
How to Improve Flock Health and Egg Quality

When it comes to poultry production, there are key differences in raising broilers, layers, pullets, turkeys and quail. But some fundamentals remain the same—especially when it comes to bird health. Today, we’re focusing on breeder hens and egg layers, and how Hen Helper is making a big difference in improving both productivity and profitability.

What is Hen Helper?

Hen Helper for electrolytes and improved egg production

Hen Helper is a specialized supplement designed to support layers and breeder hens, working similarly to our well-known product Big Ole Bird. While Big Ole Bird is great for broilers, Hen Helper is fine-tuned to meet the additional demands of hens that produce eggs.

Like Big Ole Bird, Hen Helper helps:

  • Reduce mortality

  • Strengthen the immune system

  • Increase water consumption

  • Improve nutrient absorption

Cleaner Eggs and Fewer Culls

The most frequent feedback from breeders using Hen Helper? Fewer culls and cleaner eggs.

Hen Helper supports gut health, which leads to firmer manure and a cleaner laying environment. This means eggs are less likely to get soiled, saving you time and improving hatch or sale quality. A healthy gut means a cleaner shell.

Firmer Eggshells

Hen Helper enhances calcium absorption, helping birds lay eggs with firmer shells. Many farmers report fewer soft-shelled eggs and even a reduced need for additional calcium supplements like oyster shells.

Real Results from Real Farmers

One breeder recently conducted his own trial using Hen Helper, and the results were impressive:

1. Higher Hatchability

His average life flock hatch rate increased from 85–86% to 88%. That 2% gain may seem small, but over the life of a flock (46–50 weeks), it added up to a significant boost in income.

2. Stronger Shells

Another noticeable improvement was shell quality. The farmer reported far fewer soft shells and consistently firmer shells throughout the flock’s life. This points to better calcium absorption and overall improved nutrition.

3. More Eggs Per Hen

Traditionally, this farmer saw about 156–158 eggs per hen. After using Hen Helper, the average jumped to 165–168. A nearby farmer participating in the trial saw an incredible 178 eggs per hen—a number his integrator had never seen before.

4. Improved Feed Conversion

Feed efficiency also improved dramatically. One grower reported feed conversion “off the charts,” reinforcing that healthier hens are more efficient producers.

Why It Matters

In today’s poultry industry, producers can’t always rely on reactive solutions like antibiotics or prescriptions. Challenges come fast, and not everything has a simple fix. That’s why proactive bird health is essential.

Hen Helper works from the inside out, building immune strength, improving digestion and helping birds overcome stress and illness naturally. Healthy birds are more resilient and more productive, especially when laying eggs.

Contact Us

Whether you’re raising breeder hens or producing table eggs, Hen Helper offers a practical and powerful way to improve your operation. From cleaner, firmer eggs to better feed conversion and higher hatchability, it’s a game-changer for your flock.

If you have any questions or want help implementing Hen Helper on your farm, reach out to me at allen@southlandorganics.com.

Until next time, here’s to healthy birds and stronger operations.

Written by

Erin Flowers
Erin Flowers

Team Member

Erin is a valued member of the Southland Organics team, helping deliver organic agricultural solutions to growers.

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Reviewed by

Mike Usry
Mike Usry

Founder & CEO

20+ years in organic agriculture • Humate & soil biology specialist

With years of experience in humate deposits and soil biology, Mike brings practical knowledge from the field to every conversation. He founded Southland Organics to create sustainable solutions that work with nature, not against it.

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Topics

Poultry

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