🐔 The Importance of Layer Feed for Hens
Why a Proper Diet = Happy Hens and Healthy Eggs!
Whether you’re a first-time chicken keeper or a seasoned flock owner, one thing is absolutely essential for your laying hens: a complete, balanced layer feed.
You might be tempted to rely on kitchen scraps, grains, or free-ranging alone—but without proper nutrition, your hens can quickly become unwell, stop laying, or produce poor-quality eggs.
Let’s break down what layer feed is, why it’s so important, and how it keeps your girls happy, healthy, and laying strong.
🥚 What Is Layer Feed?
Layer feed is a specially formulated type of poultry feed designed for laying hens (typically 18+ weeks old). It contains the ideal balance of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals that egg-laying hens need to:
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Stay healthy
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Produce strong eggshells
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Maintain consistent egg production
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Avoid nutritional deficiencies
It usually comes in three forms:
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Pellets – less waste, easy to manage
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Mash – finer texture, good for picky eaters
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Crumble – middle ground between pellets and mash
🧬 Why Layer Feed Matters
Let’s dive into the key benefits of feeding layer-specific feed:
🥚 1. Stronger Eggshells
Layer feed is packed with calcium, which is vital for strong, crack-resistant eggshells. Without enough calcium, hens may lay:
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Thin-shelled or soft-shelled eggs
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Shell-less eggs
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Or stop laying altogether
👉 Hens not getting enough calcium may even pull it from their bones, leading to health issues like weak legs or osteoporosis.
🍳 2. Better Egg Production
Layer feed has the ideal protein levels (usually 16–18%) to support consistent egg laying. Too little protein = fewer eggs, or small, misshapen eggs.
A balanced feed helps hens maintain:
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Regular laying cycles
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Proper egg size
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Healthy yolk and white quality
💪 3. Overall Hen Health
Layer feed includes a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals like:
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Vitamin D3 – helps absorb calcium
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Vitamin A – supports vision and immune health
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Vitamin E & Selenium – for reproductive health
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Omega-3s (in premium feeds) – for better yolk quality and feather condition
All of this contributes to stronger immunity, vibrant feathers, and a longer laying life.
🐔 4. Prevents Nutritional Deficiencies
Feeding only grains, scraps, or scratch mix can lead to imbalanced nutrition, resulting in issues like:
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Lethargy
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Feather loss
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Egg-laying problems
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Poor feather regrowth after moulting
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Even prolapse or egg-binding in extreme cases
Layer feed ensures your hens get exactly what they need, every day.
🥬 Can You Supplement With Scraps or Treats?
Absolutely—but in moderation!
Healthy extras like:
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Leafy greens
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Mealworms
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Pumpkin
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Watermelon (great on hot days!)
…can be great, but they should only make up about 10% of the diet. Think of layer feed as the main course and everything else as a treat or snack.
❌ Avoid feeding too many grains, bread, or high-fat foods—they dilute the nutrients your hens need from their feed.
🐣 When Should You Switch to Layer Feed?
Start feeding layer feed at around 18–20 weeks of age, or as soon as your hens start laying.
Before this, young pullets should be on a grower feed, which has lower calcium and higher protein—perfect for growing bodies, but not suitable for egg production.
🌱 Free-Ranging Hens Still Need Feed!
Even if your hens roam freely and forage all day, it’s still essential to offer a complete layer feed. While bugs and greens are great, they don’t always provide everything a laying hen needs, especially in winter or during a dry season.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Your hens work hard to lay delicious, nutritious eggs—so it's only fair to give them the fuel they need to thrive. Layer feed is not just chicken food—it’s an investment in:
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Healthy hens
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Strong eggs
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Fewer health problems
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And peace of mind for you!
Choose a quality layer feed, keep it dry and fresh, and supplement wisely with healthy treats. Your flock (and your breakfast plate) will thank you!
Want to know which layer feed brands we recommend? Or wondering if pellets or mash is better for your flock? Drop us a message or visit us in-store—we’re happy to help you choose the best feed for your hens! 🐓🥚
– The Chook Manor Team
