Can chickens eat bread and still lay eggs?

While chickens can eat bread, it's not the best food for them and it won't directly impact their egg laying ability. Here's why:

* Nutritional Deficiencies: Bread is mostly carbohydrates and lacks essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins. A diet mainly consisting of bread can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which could indirectly affect egg production.

* Digestive Issues: Bread can be hard to digest for chickens, especially white bread, and can lead to digestive problems like bloating and constipation. This can negatively impact their overall health and egg laying.

* Obesity: Feeding too much bread can lead to weight gain and obesity in chickens. This can also negatively impact their egg production.

What you should do:

* Bread as a treat: It's okay to give chickens bread as an occasional treat, but it shouldn't be a staple of their diet.

* Focus on a balanced diet: Chickens need a balanced diet of fresh greens, grains, and protein sources like mealworms or scratch feed.

* Provide grit: Chickens need grit to help them digest their food. This can be purchased from pet stores or found naturally outdoors.

In summary: Bread alone won't make your chickens stop laying eggs, but it's not a healthy food for them and should only be offered in moderation. A balanced diet is key for healthy chickens and optimal egg production.