Feeding Laying Hens: Layer Feed, Calcium, Grit and Treats That Do Not Backfire

A hen is an egg factory with a beak, and the raw material comes from the feed bin. A hen that is fed well lays more, lays stronger shells and stays healthier. A hen fed on scratch and kitchen scraps may look well fed and still lay thin-shelled eggs, stop laying or get sick. For a heavy dual-purpose breed like the Speckled Sussex, a few basic feeding rules go a long way.

This guide covers general principles for feeding laying hens. Needs vary with age, season, breed and housing, so ask your feed dealer or extension office about what is best in your area. If you want to find poultry nutrition events near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

Match the Feed to the Age

• Chicks (first weeks): a starter feed with higher protein, often 18 to 20 percent crude protein, often available as a medicated or unmedicated product.
• Growing pullets: a grower or developer feed with somewhat less protein, until they begin to lay.
• Laying hens: a layer feed with moderate protein, often around 16 percent, and extra calcium for shells.

Percentages differ by product, so follow the label. University resources such as eXtension poultry and Penn State Extension poultry explain nutrient needs of poultry at each stage.

Why Layer Feed Has Extra Calcium

A hen uses a lot of calcium to make eggshells. Layer feed contains added calcium, usually in the form of limestone, so that shells come out strong. Do not feed layer feed to young chicks and growing pullets, since the extra calcium can harm kidneys and growth. Switch to layer feed when pullets start to lay, or shortly before, as the feed manufacturer recommends.

Oyster Shell and Grit

• Oyster shell. A free-choice calcium supplement, offered in a separate feeder. Hens that need more calcium will eat it, and hens that do not will ignore it. It is a good insurance policy for laying hens.
• Grit. Small stones that hens keep in the gizzard to grind food. Hens that eat only complete feed may not need much additional grit, but hens that eat grass, scratch grains or table scraps benefit from it. Free-ranging hens usually pick up their own.

Scratch Grains and Treats

Scratch grains, such as cracked corn and wheat, are a favorite treat but low in protein and nutrients. Treat scratch like candy. A small handful in the afternoon, particularly in winter when the extra energy helps, is fine, but a diet heavy in scratch dilutes the balanced nutrition in layer feed. A common rule is that treats and scratch should be a small fraction of the diet, and the majority should be complete feed. Avoid moldy food, avocado skins and pits, chocolate, raw or dry beans, and anything salty, spoiled or heavily processed. Kitchen scraps can be given in moderation, but check local rules on feeding food scraps to poultry.

Water

Water is the most important nutrient. A laying hen needs clean, fresh water available all day, and egg production drops quickly when water is short or dirty. In hot weather she drinks more, and in freezing weather, water needs to be kept from freezing. Clean waterers regularly, since algae and droppings build up.

How Much Do Hens Eat?

Amounts depend on breed, size, temperature and egg production. A standard-sized hen typically eats roughly a quarter pound of feed a day, and the Speckled Sussex, as a larger breed, may eat a bit more. Hens eat more in cold weather and less in hot. Free-choice feeding, where feed is always available, is common for backyard flocks, and many keepers find that hens regulate intake well. Watch body condition and adjust. Our flock budget guide uses feed use to estimate costs.

Feeders and Waste

Feeders that are hung or raised reduce waste and keep feed cleaner. Keep feed dry, since wet feed molds. Store feed in sealed containers to keep out rodents and moisture. Buy amounts you will use within a month or two, because vitamins degrade over time.

Signs of a Feeding Problem

• Thin or soft-shelled eggs, which may indicate low calcium or other problems.
• Drop in egg production, which can have many causes including daylight, molt and disease. Our guides on winter laying and molting explain.
• Feather picking, which can be associated with diet imbalances, boredom or crowding.
• Poor feather quality or condition.
• Obesity, which can come from too many treats.

Organic, Soy-Free and Specialty Feeds

Many specialty feeds exist, such as organic, soy-free, non-GMO and fermented feeds. They may suit your values or customers, but they cost more, and the nutritional balance matters more than the label. Check the feed's guaranteed analysis and ask whether it is complete.

Common Mistakes

• Feeding layer feed to chicks. Too much calcium.
• Too many treats. Dilutes nutrition.
• Letting water run dry or dirty. Production drops.
• Storing feed badly. Mold and rodents.
• Not offering calcium. Thin shells.

Farm.fm's page on broiler chickens covers meat chickens, and for a laugh, see farm.fm's piece on farm eggs finally winning employee of the month.