I know how important it is to provide my flock with a healthy and nutritious diet to ensure that they lay eggs consistently and stay healthy.
In this article, I will share my knowledge and experience about the best food for chickens to lay eggs.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Chickens
Before we delve into the specific types of food that are best for egg-laying chickens, it’s important to understand the basic nutritional needs of chickens. Chickens require a balanced diet that includes:
- Protein: Chickens need protein to build and repair their muscles, feathers, and eggs. Protein should make up about 16-20% of their diet.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide chickens with energy. Good sources of carbohydrates for chickens include grains, such as corn, wheat, and barley.
- Fats: Fats provide chickens with energy and also help to keep their feathers and skin healthy. Good sources of fats for chickens include sunflower seeds and flax seeds.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chickens need a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, to lay eggs and maintain good health. Good sources of calcium include oyster shells and crushed eggshells.
Best Food for Chickens to Lay Eggs.
- Layer Feed
Layer feed is a type of commercial chicken feed that is specifically designed for egg-laying chickens. It typically contains around 16% protein and is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including calcium, to support egg production and overall health.
One of the advantages of layer feed is that it is convenient and easy to use. You can purchase it at most feed stores or online, and it comes in pellet or crumble form.
However, layer feed can be more expensive than other types of chicken feed, and it may contain additives or preservatives that some chicken owners prefer to avoid.
- Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as corn, wheat, and barley, are a good source of carbohydrates for chickens. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
However, whole grains are not a complete source of nutrition for chickens and should be supplemented with other foods to ensure that chickens are getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Greens and Vegetables
Greens and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals for chickens. Some examples include:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Peas
These foods can be fed to chickens fresh or cooked, and they can be an excellent way to supplement their diet with important nutrients.
- Protein Sources
As we mentioned earlier, protein is essential for egg-laying chickens. There are several sources of protein that you can feed to your chickens, including:
- Mealworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Scrambled eggs
- Cooked meat scraps
These protein sources can be fed to chickens in moderation to help support their egg-laying and overall health.
- Oyster Shells and Crushed Eggshells
As we mentioned earlier, chickens need calcium to lay eggs and maintain good health. Oyster shells and crushed eggshells are excellent sources of calcium for chickens.
You can provide your chickens with oyster shells or crushed eggshells in a separate dish or mix them in with their feed. Just be sure to clean the shells thoroughly before feeding them to your chickens to avoid the risk of disease.
Choosing the Best Food for Your Egg-Laying Chickens
When choosing the best food for your egg-laying chickens, consider the following factors:
- Age of Your Chickens
Chickens have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives. For example, chicks require a higher protein diet than adult chickens. Make sure you are providing the appropriate type of food for the age of your chickens.
- Egg Production
If you have egg-laying chickens, it’s important to provide them with a diet that supports egg production. Layer feed is a good option for this, as it is specifically formulated for egg-laying chickens.
- Budget
The cost of chicken feed can vary widely depending on the type and brand you choose. Consider your budget when choosing the best food for your chickens.
- Personal Preferences
As a chicken owner, you may have personal preferences when it comes to the type of food you feed your chickens. For example, you may prefer to avoid commercial chicken feed that contains preservatives or additives.
Brands of Layer Feed in The Market
There are many brands of layer chicken feed available on the market. Some popular brands include Purina, Nutrena, Manna Pro, and Scratch and Peck Feeds.
- Purina offers a variety of layer feeds, including their Layena line which contains 16% protein and is formulated to support egg production and overall health. They also have a vegetarian option called Purina Organic Layer which is made with non-GMO ingredients and no animal by-products.
- Nutrena’s layer feed options include their NatureWise line which is formulated with all-natural ingredients and contains added probiotics for digestive health. They also have a high-protein option called Country Feeds Layer 16 which contains 16% protein and is designed for high egg production.
- Manna Pro offers a variety of layer feeds, including their Egg Maker line which contains 16% protein and is formulated with all-natural ingredients. They also have a non-GMO option called Layer Pellets which is made with non-GMO ingredients and contains 16% protein.
- Scratch and Peck Feeds offers a range of organic and non-GMO layer feeds, including their Layer Feeds which are formulated with whole grains and contain 16% protein. They also have a soy-free option called Naturally Free Layer Feed which is made with all-natural ingredients and contains no soy or corn.
When choosing a brand of layer feed for your chickens, it’s important to consider the ingredients and nutritional content, as well as any personal preferences you may have. Reading reviews and consulting with other chicken owners can also be helpful in making a decision.
Conclusion
Providing your egg-laying chickens with a healthy and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Layer feed, whole grains, greens and vegetables, protein sources, and calcium supplements are all excellent options to consider when feeding your chickens.
When choosing the best food for your chickens, consider their age, egg production, budget, and personal preferences.
