6 Best Feed To Improve Egg Production In Older Hens That Old Farmers Trust
As hens age, egg production wanes. Explore 6 farmer-trusted feeds, rich in protein and calcium, designed to boost output in your senior flock.
You’ve noticed it happening. The once-reliable flow of eggs from your favorite old hen has slowed to a trickle, and the shells on the eggs you do get feel a bit thin. This isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a natural part of a hen’s life cycle that every flock owner eventually faces. Supporting your aging flock isn’t about forcing them to produce, but about providing the right nutrition to keep them healthy and laying for as long as they comfortably can.
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Understanding the Needs of an Aging Laying Flock
As a hen ages, her body changes. Her metabolism slows, and more importantly, her digestive system becomes less efficient at absorbing key nutrients from her feed. This is especially true for calcium, the cornerstone of a strong eggshell. She can no longer process and store it as effectively as she did in her prime.
These internal changes have direct, visible consequences in the nesting box. A hen’s body prioritizes its own health, so when resources are scarce, egg production is the first thing to decline. You’ll see fewer eggs, smaller eggs, and the classic sign of an aging layer: thin, brittle, or misshapen shells. This isn’t just an egg problem; it’s a signal that her body is struggling to get what it needs.
The goal with an older flock isn’t to chase the production numbers of a pullet. Instead, it’s about shifting your mindset to supportive care. By providing a diet tailored to their changing needs, you help maintain their bone density, feather quality, and overall health. Healthy, comfortable hens will continue to lay eggs—perhaps not daily, but consistently—for years longer than they would on a basic diet.
Purina Layena+ Oyster Strong for Shell Quality
Give your laying hens the nutrition they need with Purina Layena + High Protein Layer Feed. This 19% protein feed includes black soldier fly larvae for natural foraging and the Oyster Strong System for strong eggshells.
For a straightforward, all-in-one solution, it’s hard to beat Purina Layena+ with Oyster Strong. This feed is a workhorse on many farms for a reason. Its primary advantage for an older flock is the inclusion of large-particle oyster shell mixed directly into the pellet formula.
This isn’t just about convenience. Older hens can sometimes be picky about seeking out a separate calcium supplement. By integrating it into their main feed, you ensure they get that crucial calcium with every bite. The larger particle size means the calcium breaks down slowly in their digestive system overnight, which is precisely when they are forming the next day’s eggshell.
This is a complete feed, meaning you don’t have to worry about balancing supplements. It simplifies your chores and provides a consistent nutritional baseline. If you just want a reliable, widely available feed that directly addresses the number one issue in older hens—poor shell quality—this is a trusted place to start.
Nutrena NatureWise Feather Fixer During Molt
The annual molt is tough on any chicken, but it can be particularly draining for an older hen. During this period, she’ll stop laying entirely as her body diverts all its resources, especially protein, into growing a new set of feathers. A hard molt can leave a senior hen looking ragged and feeling vulnerable for weeks.
This is where a specialty feed like Nutrena’s Feather Fixer becomes an invaluable tool. It’s formulated with a higher protein content, typically around 18%, compared to the 16% found in standard layer feeds. This extra protein provides the essential building blocks for rapid, healthy feather regrowth. It also includes key vitamins and minerals that support immune health during this stressful time.
Think of Feather Fixer not as a year-round feed, but as a strategic intervention. When you see the first signs of feather loss, transition your flock onto it. By fueling a faster, more efficient molt, you reduce the time they are without their protective feather coat and get them back to laying sooner once the process is complete. It’s a simple switch that can make a huge difference in their annual cycle of rest and production.
Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve for Forage-Based Diets
If your hens spend their days foraging on pasture, a standard pellet might not be the best fit. Kalmbach’s Henhouse Reserve is designed to complement, not replace, a diet rich in greens, seeds, and insects. It’s less of a single-source meal and more of a nutrient-dense supplement to their natural diet.
This feed stands out because it contains a diverse mix of whole grains, seeds, and added botanicals like marigold extract for vibrant yolks. This texture and variety can be highly palatable, encouraging even picky older birds to eat well. For a senior hen whose appetite might be waning, a more interesting meal can make all the difference.
By supporting their natural foraging instincts, you provide mental stimulation and a broader range of nutrients. Henhouse Reserve fills in the nutritional gaps, ensuring they get the concentrated protein, vitamins, and minerals that might be sparse in your pasture, especially during certain seasons. It’s an excellent choice for the hobby farmer who wants to lean into a more natural, forage-first approach while still supporting the specific needs of an aging flock.
Scratch and Peck Organic Layer for a Soy-Free Option
There’s a growing movement among flock owners to avoid corn and soy, with some believing these ingredients can contribute to inflammatory issues that may be more pronounced in older birds. For those seeking a certified organic, soy-free alternative, Scratch and Peck is a top contender. Their feeds are built on a foundation of whole grains like wheat, barley, and peas for protein.
This is not your typical pellet. It’s an unprocessed, whole-grain mash that looks more like muesli than chicken feed. This form encourages natural pecking and scratching behaviors. Many farmers also choose to ferment this type of feed, which can unlock more nutrients and introduce beneficial probiotics, making it even easier for an older hen’s digestive system to handle.
Be aware, this approach requires more management. Whole-grain feeds can lead to more waste if not managed properly in a good feeder, and fermentation adds an extra step to your chores. However, for those committed to an organic, soy-free flock, the potential benefits for digestive health and overall vitality in senior hens make Scratch and Peck a trusted choice.
Grubblies Dried Grubs for a High-Protein Treat
Sometimes, the best way to boost an older hen’s nutrition isn’t with a new feed, but with a powerful supplement. Dried black soldier fly larvae, like those from Grubblies, are a powerhouse of high-quality protein and calcium. They are less of a "treat" and more of a targeted nutritional tool.
An aging hen needs easily digestible protein to maintain muscle mass, support feather health, and fuel egg production. Grubs provide this in a form that chickens find irresistible. A small handful scattered in the run can ensure your older, perhaps more timid hens get a protein boost, even if they are lower in the pecking order.
Use grubs strategically. They are perfect for helping hens recover from the stress of a molt, providing extra energy during cold winter months, or simply ensuring your senior layers are getting enough protein when their appetites are low. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to directly support the core health of an aging bird.
Manna Pro Oyster Shell for Essential Calcium
Even if your feed is fortified, providing free-choice oyster shell is the oldest and most reliable trick in the book for supporting shell quality. Manna Pro is a widely available and consistent source. The simple act of putting out a small dish of it, separate from their main feed, can solve a host of shell problems.
An older hen’s calcium needs can fluctuate daily. By offering it free-choice, you empower each hen to take exactly what her body needs, when it needs it. A hen preparing to lay an egg will instinctively seek it out, while a hen taking a day off won’t. This prevents over-consumption and allows for perfect self-regulation.
This is not an optional extra; it’s a fundamental requirement for an aging flock. A lack of available calcium forces a hen to pull the mineral from her own bones, leading to osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures. Providing a constant supply of oyster shell is the cheapest, easiest insurance policy you can have for the long-term health and skeletal integrity of your senior girls.
Integrating New Feeds for Your Senior Hens
Chickens, especially older ones, are creatures of habit. Suddenly changing their feed can cause digestive upset, stress, and a swift halt to egg production. Any transition to a new formula must be done slowly and deliberately.
The best practice is to mix the new feed with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days. Start with a ratio of 25% new feed to 75% old feed for a few days. Then, move to a 50/50 mix, and then 75/25, before switching over completely. This gradual change gives their digestive systems time to adapt.
Throughout the transition, keep a close eye on your flock. Watch their behavior, energy levels, and droppings for any signs of distress. Your hens are the ultimate judges of what works. A successful feed change will result in bright eyes, glossy feathers, and, eventually, stronger shells in the nesting box.
Ultimately, caring for older hens is a rewarding part of keeping a flock. It’s a shift from maximizing production to sustaining health. By choosing a feed that addresses their specific needs for calcium, protein, and digestibility, you can keep your senior girls healthy, happy, and contributing to your breakfast table for years to come.
