What Is the Best Feed for Laying Hens

The right feed boosts egg production, strengthens shells, and improves quality. It also keeps hens healthy and supports a longer laying cycle. For farmers, steady profits come from knowing the feed options and matching them with the flock's stage and goals.

Nutritional Needs of Layer Feed Chicken

Layer nutrition differs from broilers, mainly in protein and calcium balance.

Chicks need more protein for fast growth, while laying hens require much more calcium to keep shells strong and production steady.

Protein and calcium needs at each stage

Reference: Poultry Hub

Along with protein and calcium, layers also need the right balance of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

Diets often include extra vitamin D3 to help absorb calcium, while phosphorus, zinc, and manganese are carefully adjusted to keep bones strong, immunity high, and hens productive over the long term.

The Best Feed Types of Laying Hens

There's no single formula for layer feed. Different options fit different needs and budgets.

1. Commercial chicken layer feed

This is the most common choice, made by feed mills to meet standard nutrition needs. It usually comes as pellets or crumbles with balanced nutrients for all stages.

The main advantage is convenience and reliability. But the formula is fixed, so farms with special needs or cost concerns may need extra supplements or custom feed.

2. Organic chicken layer feed

Made from certified organic ingredients with no GM crops or chemicals, usually in pellet or crumble form.

It offers traceable sources and meets higher standards for safety and welfare. Costs are higher than regular feed, but in premium markets where buyers pay more, it's a strong choice for farms with clear positioning.

3. Make your own chicken feed

Many farmers mix their own food for flexibility. It allows them to adjust protein, calcium, and other nutrients by stage, with more control over ingredients and sometimes lower costs.

The risk is imbalance. Without solid nutrition knowledge, feed may harm health and reduce egg output. Differences in ingredient size can also cause uneven mixing without proper equipment.

The Best Feed Forms of Laying Hens

For layers, good feed should provide the right nutrition and be easy to digest. The three most common types are outlined below.

1. Chicken layer pellets

Pellets are feed pressed into small cylinders. They give hens balanced nutrition, reduce dust and waste, and are easy to feed and store. For farms that focus on efficiency, pellets are usually the go-to choice.

2. Layer crumbles

Crumbles are pellets broken into smaller pieces for better intake.

They are well suited for growers and chicks, making it easier to eat while keeping nutrition balanced.

Many farmers use crumbles as a transition before moving flocks to pellets.

3. Layers mash

Mash is the most traditional feed. It needs little processing, is flexible with ingredients, and costs less, so it's often used on small farms or in self-mixed feed.

The drawback is separation and dust, which can cause uneven nutrition and make handling harder. Because of this, mash is less common in large farms and is being replaced by pellets.

How to Choose Layer Chicken Feed

Choosing feed goes beyond nutrients. What matters is finding the option that fits your goals, flock stage, and budget.

Know Feed Labels

1) Match feed to flock age to avoid growth or laying issues.

2) Check crude protein, calcium, energy, and amino acids.

3) Look for additives like organic selenium, zinc, probiotics, enzymes, or vitamin D3.

4) Choose transparent formulas, mainly corn and soybean meals.

5) Check production and expiry dates.

Reference values

Crude protein 16–17%, metabolizable energy 2700–2800 kcal/kg, calcium 3.5–4%, total phosphorus ≥0.35%, lysine ≥0.75%, methionine ≥0.35%, vitamin D3 (clearly stated).

Core feed ingredients

Corn, soybean meal, limestone, shell powder, dicalcium phosphate, vitamin premix, mineral premix.

By farming scale

For family use, commercial feed is usually sufficient, offering both convenience and balanced nutrition.

In larger farms, priorities include cost, steady production, and flock health. Many choose high-protein formulas or mix their own feed with a pellet mill to reduce long-term expenses.

By growth stage

Nutrient needs change at each stage, so feed must be adjusted in time.

Chick and grower diets require higher protein but low calcium to avoid kidney stress.

Around 18 weeks, hens can switch to layer feed with high calcium to support shell formation.

Feeding layer diets too early can harm bone development and reduce future egg production.

Cost and benefit

Feed is the largest expense in layer farming, so decisions should consider long-term return, not just price.

• For small and medium farms, self-mixed feed can be cheaper if ingredients are available and management is adequate.
• Commercial farms usually choose commercial feed for stable nutrition, reliable supply, and predictable returns. With steady raw materials and professional management, in-house production can also deliver higher long-term benefits.

The key is having sound formulas and consistent supply and processing capacity.

Supplementary measures

Even with complete layer diets, it is recommended to offer oyster shell or limestone for free choice.

This lets hens adjust calcium intake as needed, especially during peak laying, reducing soft or thin shells and improving shell quality.

FAQ

How much feed does a layer eat daily?

An adult layer eats about 100–120 g per day. Chicks and growers eat less, around 25–80 g. Use this as a guide for feed planning.

Is organic feed better than regular feed?

Organic feed uses stricter controls on ingredients and additives, but it doesn't guarantee higher egg production. Choosing organic is more about market demand and product positioning.

When should the feed formula be adjusted?

Watch flock weight and shell quality. Thin shells mean calcium is low. If weight drops or egg numbers fall, more protein or energy may be needed.

Can different stage feeds be mixed?

It's possible but not recommended. Protein and calcium levels differ by stage, and long-term mixing can cause imbalances. For transitions, replace gradually over 1–2 weeks to avoid stress.

What should I consider if mixing my own feed?

A sound formula is essential, but storage matters too. If possible, use a pellet mill to make pellets. This helps prevent moisture, mold, and extends shelf life.