5 Best Feed Types for Backyard Chickens That Boost Egg Production
Discover the 5 best feed options for backyard chickens to optimize health, egg production, and nutrition. Learn about layer feeds, organic options, and how proper nutrition impacts your flock’s wellbeing.
Feeding your backyard chickens the right diet isn’t just about keeping them alive—it’s about helping them thrive and produce quality eggs. Your feathered friends require specific nutrients at different life stages, from chicks to laying hens to molting adults.
Choosing the optimal feed can significantly impact your chickens’ health, egg production, and overall vitality while potentially reducing your long-term costs and maintenance efforts. We’ve researched and tested dozens of options to bring you the five best feed types that balance nutrition, affordability, and availability for your backyard flock.
|
|
Best Overall
|
|
$26.99
|
$49.49
|
$48.99
|
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Understanding Chicken Nutrition Basics
Just like humans, chickens require a balanced diet to thrive. Understanding the foundation of chicken nutrition can help you make better feed choices for your backyard flock.
Essential Nutrients Every Backyard Chicken Needs
Backyard chickens require six key nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Proteins (16-20% for layers) support muscle development and egg production. Calcium is crucial for strong eggshells, while phosphorus maintains bone health. Vitamins A, D, E, and B complex regulate bodily functions, and clean water must always be available for optimal health and digestion.
How Feed Quality Impacts Egg Production
High-quality feed directly translates to better egg production in your backyard flock. Hens fed premium feeds with 16-18% protein typically lay eggs with harder shells, brighter yolks, and more consistent sizing. Poor nutrition often results in reduced laying frequency, thin-shelled eggs prone to breakage, and pale yolks lacking nutritional value. The difference between economy and quality feeds becomes evident in just 2-3 weeks of consistent feeding.
Layer Feed: The Complete Nutrition Solution
Layer feed is specifically formulated to support egg-laying hens with the perfect balance of nutrients needed for optimal production and health.
Purpose and Benefits
Layer feed provides a complete nutritional package designed to maximize egg production while maintaining hen health. The balanced formula supports regular laying cycles and ensures strong eggshell formation through precise nutrient ratios. Your hens will benefit from increased energy levels, better feather condition, and improved overall vitality when fed a quality layer feed consistently.
Key Ingredients in Premium Layer Feeds
Premium layer feeds contain 16-18% protein to support egg production and maintain hen health. The formula includes 2.75-3.4% calcium for strong eggshell formation, essential amino acids like lysine and methionine, and vital nutrients such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients work together to optimize egg quality and support your hens’ long-term productivity.
When to Start Feeding Layer Feed to Your Flock
Introduce layer feed when your hens reach about 20 weeks of age or when they begin laying their first eggs. Before this milestone, chicks should receive starter feed until 6 weeks old, then transition to grower feed until laying age. This feeding progression ensures proper development at each life stage while preventing potential health issues from premature calcium exposure in young birds.
Uniform Feed Types
Choose pelletized or micro-pellet layer feeds rather than mash formulations for your laying hens. Pellets prevent selective eating habits where chickens pick out only their favorite ingredients. This uniform feeding approach ensures each hen receives the complete nutritional profile intended by the feed manufacturer, resulting in consistent egg production across your flock.
Avoiding Incorrect Feeds
Never feed layer feed to chicks or young pullets under 18 weeks of age. The high calcium content designed for egg-producing hens can cause serious health problems in developing birds, including liver damage and stunted growth. Always match the feed type to your chickens’ specific life stage to prevent nutritional imbalances and health complications.
Organic Chicken Feed: Natural Nutrition for Healthier Eggs
Benefits of Organic Feed for Backyard Chickens
Organic chicken feed provides significant advantages for your backyard flock. Made with non-GMO, non-medicated ingredients, these feeds align perfectly with sustainable farming practices. Your chickens will enjoy better digestive health without exposure to harmful chemicals or additives. Perhaps most importantly, hens fed organic diets typically produce eggs with superior nutritional profiles – containing higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins that benefit both the birds and your family.
Top Organic Feed Brands Worth the Investment
- Nature’s Best Organic Feeds offers Non-GMO Project-Verified options supporting chickens through all life stages.
- Purina Organic Feeds provides high-quality “Farm to Flock” products with carefully selected natural ingredients.
- Manna Pro Organic Feeds features diverse options including soy-free formulations for chickens with specific dietary needs.
- Small Pet Select Organic Feeds delivers precisely formulated nutrition tailored for backyard chicken health.
- Strong Animals Organic Feeds specializes in non-medicated options with digestive health supplements for optimal well-being.
Fermented Feed: Boosting Digestibility and Nutrition
Fermented feed represents an advanced yet simple approach to enhancing your backyard chickens’ nutrition. This traditional method transforms regular chicken feed into a probiotic-rich superfood that can significantly improve your flock’s health and productivity.
Health Benefits of Fermented Grains for Your Flock
Fermentation breaks down anti-nutrients in grains, making proteins and vitamins more bioavailable to your chickens. Your flock will typically consume 30% less feed while getting more nutrition, resulting in stronger immune systems and improved gut health. The process increases nutrient absorption, particularly B vitamins and enzymes, leading to visibly healthier birds and better-quality eggs with firmer whites and more vibrant yolks.
How to Ferment Chicken Feed at Home
Fermenting feed requires just three ingredients: regular chicken feed, a food-grade container with lid, and dechlorinated water. Fill your container halfway with feed, add water until it sits 2-3 inches above the feed, and cover loosely. Stir daily for 3-5 days until bubbles appear and a slightly sour smell develops. Strain excess water before serving the wet, fermented feed to your eager chickens.
Scratch Grains: The Perfect Treat for Happy Hens
Scratch grains are a beloved treat for chickens that can supplement their main diet while providing enrichment. These mixed grains aren’t nutritionally complete but offer valuable benefits when used correctly.
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a mixture of whole grains such as corn, wheat, oats, and barley that chickens absolutely love. Unlike complete feeds, scratch grains are meant to be treats rather than dietary staples. Chickens naturally scratch at the ground to forage, and these grains satisfy this instinctual behavior while providing supplemental energy. Traditional scratch mixes typically contain cracked corn, wheat, and other grains that are highly palatable to your flock.
Proper Ways to Supplement With Scratch Grains
The key to using scratch grains effectively is moderation. Follow the 90/10 rule—treats should make up no more than 10% of your chickens’ daily diet. Offer scratch grains in the evening before roosting, especially during winter months, to provide extra energy for overnight warmth. Always use separate feeders for scratch to prevent nutrient dilution of their main feed, and consider scattering small amounts in their run to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Creating a Balanced Diet With Treats and Grains
A high-quality complete feed should always form the foundation of your chickens’ diet. Supplement with scratch grains and other treats strategically to maintain nutritional balance. Introduce healthy treats like apples, carrots, and leafy greens alongside scratch for dietary variety. Monitor your hens’ body condition regularly and adjust treat quantities if they’re gaining too much weight. Remember that excessive treating can lead to reduced egg production and potential health issues.
Conclusion: Selecting the Right Feed Combination for Your Backyard Flock
Choosing the optimal feed for your backyard chickens doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the specific needs of your flock at different life stages you’ll set them up for optimal health egg production and longevity.
Whether you opt for premium layer feed organic options fermented feed or strategic use of scratch grains remember that quality nutrition directly impacts your chickens’ health and the eggs they produce. The best approach often combines a high-quality complete feed as your foundation with thoughtful supplementation.
Monitor your flock’s response to different feeds and adjust accordingly. With the right nutritional strategy your backyard chickens will reward you with beautiful eggs vibrant plumage and entertaining personalities for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nutrients do backyard chickens need in their diet?
Backyard chickens require six essential nutrients: proteins (16-20% for layers), carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Proteins support muscle development and egg production, while calcium and phosphorus are crucial for strong eggshells and bone health. A balanced diet containing all these nutrients ensures optimal health, egg production, and overall well-being of your chickens.
When should I start feeding layer feed to my chickens?
You should start feeding layer feed when your chickens reach approximately 20 weeks of age, which is around the time they begin laying eggs. Layer feed is specially formulated with higher calcium levels to support egg production. Avoid feeding layer feed to chicks or pullets younger than 18 weeks, as the high calcium content can cause serious health issues in developing birds.
What are the benefits of organic chicken feed?
Organic chicken feed, made with non-GMO and non-medicated ingredients, promotes better digestive health and supports sustainable farming practices. Hens on organic diets typically produce eggs with superior nutritional profiles, including higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins. Organic feed also eliminates exposure to synthetic pesticides and artificial additives, supporting overall chicken health.
How do I ferment chicken feed and what are its benefits?
To ferment chicken feed, combine regular chicken feed with dechlorinated water in a food-grade container and let it sit for 3-5 days. Fermentation creates probiotic-rich superfood that improves digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, strengthens the immune system, and reduces feed consumption by up to 30%. The process breaks down anti-nutrients, making proteins and vitamins more bioavailable to your chickens.
What are scratch grains and how should they be used?
Scratch grains are a mixture of whole grains like corn, wheat, oats, and barley that serve as treats for chickens. While not nutritionally complete, they provide enrichment and extra energy when used in moderation. Follow the 90/10 rule: treats should comprise no more than 10% of the daily diet. Scratch grains are best offered in the evening, especially during colder months, to provide warmth-generating energy overnight.
How does feed quality affect egg production?
High-quality feed directly impacts egg production and quality. Hens fed premium feeds produce eggs with harder shells, brighter yolks, and better nutritional profiles. Quality feed ensures proper protein levels (16-18%) and essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for consistent laying and overall egg quality. Investing in premium feed typically results in healthier chickens and superior eggs.
What form of layer feed is best for chickens?
Pelletized or micro-pellet forms of layer feed are ideal for chickens because they prevent selective eating, ensuring birds consume a balanced diet with all necessary nutrients. Unlike mash feeds where chickens might pick out favorite ingredients and leave others behind, pellets contain a uniform mixture of nutrients. This form helps maintain optimal nutrition levels and supports consistent egg production in your backyard flock.
Can I feed my chickens kitchen scraps alongside commercial feed?
Yes, you can offer kitchen scraps as supplements to commercial feed, but follow the 90/10 rule where treats make up no more than 10% of the diet. Safe scraps include vegetables, fruits, and small amounts of cooked meat. Avoid items like chocolate, avocado, raw beans, and onions, which are toxic to chickens. Always ensure their primary nutrition comes from a complete, high-quality commercial feed.
