Imagine a hen, plump and happy, laying a perfect, shiny egg every morning. What’s her secret? It’s not just good genes; it’s the food she eats! Choosing the right layer feed for your hens can feel like a puzzle. So many bags on the shelf, so many ingredients listed – it’s easy to get confused. You want your girls to be healthy and lay those beautiful eggs, but sometimes it feels like you’re guessing.
This is where we come in. We know you want the best for your flock, and picking the right feed is a big part of that. We’re going to break down what makes a good layer feed, what your hens really need, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about what goes into your hens’ feed bins.
Let’s dive in and discover how to nourish your feathered friends for peak egg production and vibrant health!
Our Top 5 Layer Feed For Hens Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Manna Pro Chicken Feed | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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New Country Organics | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Purina Layena | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Manna Pro Layer Pellets Chicken Feed | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Purina® Layena® Crumbles Chicken Food | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Layer Feed For Hens Detailed Reviews
1. Manna Pro Chicken Feed
Rating: 9.1/10
If you’re looking to keep your laying hens happy and productive, the Manna Pro Chicken Feed, 16% Protein Layer Crumbles with Probiotics is a fantastic choice. This complete feed is specially designed to support your flock’s egg-laying journey. It provides all the nutrients your hens need for strong shells, healthy feathers, and overall wellness.
What We Like:
- This feed offers complete nutrition for laying hens, promoting good egg production and overall health.
- The 16% protein content is great for building strong eggshells and keeping hens active.
- The crumble form is easy for hens to eat and helps reduce waste.
- It’s packed with important vitamins and minerals, like calcium, to support bone and immune health.
- Manna Pro is a trusted brand known for quality poultry feed made in the USA.
- The addition of probiotics can help improve your chickens’ digestion.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8 lb bag might be a bit small for larger flocks, requiring frequent repurchases.
- While the crumbles are easy to digest, some chickens might still prefer whole grains.
This Manna Pro feed is a reliable way to ensure your laying hens get the balanced nutrition they need. It’s a smart investment for any backyard chicken keeper aiming for consistent, quality egg production.
2. New Country Organics
Rating: 9.5/10
Give your laying hens the best with New Country Organics’ Corn-Free Classic Layer Chicken Feed. This 25lb bag is packed with premium, organic nutrition to keep your flock healthy and happy. It’s a complete diet, meaning you don’t need to add anything else for their daily meals.
What We Like:
- This feed is completely corn-free and soy-free, perfect for birds with sensitivities.
- It has 17% protein, which helps your hens produce strong, healthy eggs.
- The low-starch formula is great for keeping your chickens cool in hot weather.
- Probiotics and kelp are added to support good digestion and eggshell strength.
- It’s certified organic and non-GMO, so you know you’re feeding your birds pure goodness.
- New Country Organics offers other great products like chicken grit and oyster shell to complement this feed.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product packaging warns that the feed is milled on shared equipment, so it may not be 100% free of corn. This is important for those with severe allergies.
Overall, this organic chicken feed is a fantastic choice for promoting the health and productivity of your laying hens. It offers excellent nutrition and thoughtful ingredients for a thriving flock.
3. Purina Layena
Rating: 8.7/10
If you’re looking to boost your flock’s egg production and quality, the Purina Layena Nutritionally Complete Layer Hen Feed Crumbles is a strong contender. This 25-pound bag is packed with everything your laying hens need to thrive and produce delicious, wholesome eggs.
What We Like:
- Rich Yellow Yolks: The feed contains xanthophyll from marigolds, which helps create beautiful, deep yellow egg yolks. Your eggs will look as good as they taste!
- Strong Shells: It includes essential calcium, manganese, and trace minerals. This combination is key for hens to lay eggs with strong shells, reducing breakage.
- Healthy Hens, More Eggs: With added lysine and methionine, this feed supports your hens in producing plenty of eggs. It also helps them grow beautiful, healthy feathers.
- Overall Health and Growth: Key vitamins like A, D, and E are included. Vitamin A is especially important for helping young birds grow into healthy adults.
- Happy Tummies: Prebiotics, probiotics, and yeast are added to support your hens’ immune and digestive systems, keeping them feeling their best.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 25-pound bag might be a bit heavy for some to handle easily.
- Availability could be a factor depending on your location; it’s always good to check before you need a refill.
Overall, Purina Layena feed is a well-rounded choice for supporting your layer hens’ health and egg-laying potential. It provides the nutrients needed for vibrant yolks and strong shells, making it a great option for backyard chicken keepers.
4. Manna Pro Layer Pellets Chicken Feed
Rating: 8.8/10
Manna Pro Layer Pellets Chicken Feed is a top-notch choice for your laying hens. This 16% protein feed is packed with everything your flock needs for healthy egg production. It’s made in the USA and includes probiotics for better digestion. Plus, it has omega-3s and extra calcium for strong, healthy eggshells.
What We Like:
- High-quality feed supports excellent egg production.
- Includes omega-3s for hen health.
- Extra calcium helps create strong eggshells.
- Probiotics aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
- No antibiotics, artificial colors, or flavors.
- Supports vibrant feather health.
- A great gift for poultry owners.
- Made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8 lb bag size might be small for larger flocks, requiring frequent repurchases.
This feed is a smart investment for any chicken owner serious about their flock’s health and egg quality. Your hens will thank you with delicious, healthy eggs.
5. Purina® Layena® Crumbles Chicken Food
Rating: 9.4/10
Our flock deserves the best, and Purina® Layena® Crumbles Chicken Food delivers just that. This 10-pound bag is packed with everything your backyard chickens need to thrive, from strong shells to vibrant health. It’s a convenient and nutritious choice for any chicken keeper looking to support their hens’ well-being and egg production.
What We Like:
- Supports their immune system with antioxidants and amino acids.
- Promotes a healthy gut with live probiotics and prebiotics.
- Helps hens lay strong-shelled, nutritious eggs thanks to oyster shell and essential vitamins.
- Offers a balanced 16% protein for optimal hen health.
- The crumble form is easy for chickens to eat, providing all their necessary nutrition in small bites.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10-pound bag might be a bit small for larger flocks, requiring frequent repurchases.
- Availability can sometimes be limited depending on your local store.
Purina® Layena® Crumbles is a solid choice for supporting your hens’ health and egg-laying. It provides balanced nutrition in an easy-to-eat format, making it a convenient option for busy chicken keepers.
Choosing the Best Layer Feed for Your Hens
Feeding your laying hens the right food helps them stay healthy and produce plenty of delicious eggs. Layer feed is specially made for chickens that are laying eggs. It gives them all the nutrients they need. This guide will help you pick the perfect layer feed for your flock.
Key Features to Look For
1. Protein Content
Laying hens need enough protein to make eggs. Good layer feed usually has about 16-18% protein. More protein can help, especially for younger hens or during molting. Check the bag for the guaranteed analysis.
2. Calcium and Phosphorus Balance
Calcium is super important for strong eggshells. Layer feed should have enough calcium. It also needs phosphorus to help the body use calcium. The right balance helps prevent weak shells and health problems.
3. Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins A, D, and E are essential for hen health. Minerals like zinc and selenium also play big roles. These help with immunity, growth, and egg quality. A good feed includes a complete mix.
4. Form of the Feed
Layer feed comes in different forms:
- Pellets: These are small, compressed pieces. They are easy for hens to eat and reduce waste.
- Crumbles: These are like broken-up pellets. They are good for younger birds or those with smaller beaks.
- Mash: This is a ground-up mixture. It can be dusty and some birds might pick through it.
Pellets and crumbles are often preferred because they are less messy.
Important Materials in Layer Feed
Good layer feed uses a variety of ingredients to provide balanced nutrition. Common ingredients include:
- Grains: Corn, wheat, and barley are usual bases. They give energy.
- Soybean Meal: This is a great source of protein.
- Calcium Carbonate: This is the main source of calcium for strong shells.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These are added to make sure the feed is complete.
- Oils: Sometimes added for energy and to help absorb vitamins.
Always check the ingredient list on the bag. You want to see whole, recognizable ingredients.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Freshness: Feed that is not old tastes better to hens. It also has more nutrients. Look for a “best by” date.
- Storage: Store feed in a cool, dry place. This stops mold and pests. Airtight containers help.
- Complete Nutrition: A feed that has all the necessary protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals is top quality.
Reducing Quality:
- Old or Stale Feed: This can lose nutrients and taste bad. Hens might not eat it well.
- Poor Storage: Damp or hot conditions can ruin feed. This can lead to mold.
- Incomplete Formulas: Feed missing key nutrients will not support healthy laying.
- Excessive Dust: Too much dust can be hard for hens to breathe.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most chicken owners find that using a good quality layer feed leads to happier, healthier hens. You will see more eggs, and the eggshells will be stronger. Hens that eat well are less likely to get sick.
Use Cases:
- Daily Feeding: Layer feed is the main food for hens that are laying.
- Supplementing: Sometimes you might add scratch grains or treats, but layer feed should be the foundation.
- Transitioning: When young pullets start laying, you switch them to layer feed.
Choosing the right feed makes a big difference for your flock’s well-being and your egg basket!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much layer feed should I give my hens?
A: A laying hen eats about 1/4 pound of feed per day. You can put out enough for them to eat within 12-15 hours.
Q: Can I feed layer feed to chicks?
A: No, chicks need a starter feed. It has different nutrients for their young bodies. Layer feed is for hens that are laying eggs.
Q: What if my hens aren’t laying many eggs?
A: Check their feed! They might need more protein or calcium. Also, consider the amount of light they get and their stress levels.
Q: Can I mix different brands of layer feed?
A: It’s usually okay to mix small amounts. However, a sudden switch can upset their stomachs. Try to stick to one good brand if possible.
Q: How long does layer feed last?
A: Unopened, layer feed can last for several months if stored properly. Once opened, try to use it within 4-6 weeks for best freshness.
Q: What is the difference between layer feed and “all-flock” feed?
A: Layer feed has more calcium and a specific protein level for laying hens. All-flock feed is for chickens of all ages, including roosters and non-laying hens, so it has less calcium.
Q: Should I add extra oyster shells?
A: If your layer feed has enough calcium (around 3.5-4%), you might not need extra. However, many people offer free-choice oyster shells so hens can take what they need.
Q: My hens are kicking feed out of the feeder. What can I do?
A: Try a different type of feeder. Some feeders are designed to reduce waste. Pelleted feed is also less likely to be kicked out than mash.
Q: Can I make my own layer feed?
A: You can, but it’s very difficult to get the balance of nutrients right. It’s often easier and safer to buy a commercially made layer feed.
Q: What should I do if my hens have diarrhea?
A: Diarrhea can be a sign of illness or a problem with their diet. Check their feed for freshness and make sure they have access to clean water. If it continues, consult a vet.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.