6 Best Chicken Feeds for Egg Production

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.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best protein percentage in chicken feed for egg production?

The best protein percentage in chicken feed for egg production is 16 to 18 percent for active laying hens. Standard commercial layer feeds typically supply 16 percent crude protein, which supports standard daily egg output. Breeds with higher production rates, such as Leghorns, or hens recovering from molting often benefit from an 18 percent protein ration to maintain feather health and prevent laying pauses. Avoid feeding rations over 20 percent protein long-term, as excess protein stresses kidneys.

What does calcium in chicken feed do for egg production?

Calcium in chicken feed provides the essential mineral needed to construct hard, protective eggshells and stimulate uterine muscle contractions during laying. A single eggshell contains roughly two grams of calcium, requiring layer diets to maintain 3.5 to 4.5 percent calcium content. Without adequate dietary calcium, hens leach the mineral from their skeletal system, which causes fragile bones and soft-shelled eggs. Offer crushed oyster shell in a separate free-choice feeder so hens can regulate their individual calcium needs.

How do I switch pullets to layer chicken feed for egg production?

Transition young pullets to layer chicken feed at approximately 18 weeks of age or when the flock lays its first egg. Mix grower feed with layer feed over a seven-day period to prevent digestive upset. Combine 75 percent grower with 25 percent layer for two days, move to a 50-50 ratio on days three and four, and reach 100 percent layer feed by day seven.

How long does it take for chicken feed to increase egg production in laying hens?

Dietary adjustments in chicken feed usually take two to three weeks to show measurable improvements in egg production. A hen requires about 25 hours to produce a single egg, but rebuilding depleted protein and mineral reserves takes several weeks of consistent feeding. If hens were deficient in amino acids like methionine or lysine, laying frequency and egg size typically climb after 14 consecutive days on a balanced layer ration. Pair the feed upgrade with clean water to see the fastest response.

Which is better for egg production, crumbles or pellets chicken feed?

Pellets and crumbles provide identical nutritional value for egg production, but pellets cause less waste in open coop environments. Crumbles are ground pellets that work best for smaller heritage breeds, bantams, or picky eaters that struggle with larger morsels. However, crumbles break down into powdery mash quickly, leading to roughly 10 to 15 percent feed loss from spillage. For adult, full-sized production breeds like Rhode Island Reds, pelleted feeds ensure uniform nutrient intake with minimal trough waste.

How much chicken feed per day does a hen need for consistent egg production?

A standard laying hen needs about one-quarter pound (approximately 4 ounces or 115 grams) of balanced chicken feed per day to sustain egg production. Feed intake shifts based on bird size and ambient weather. Heavy breeds like Australorps may consume up to 5 ounces during cold winter months to regulate body temperature, while lightweight Leghorns often consume closer to 3.5 ounces in the summer. Monitor feed troughs daily and maintain continuous free-choice access during daylight hours rather than limiting portions.

Why are my chickens eating layer feed but not laying eggs?

Hens eating layer feed often fail to lay eggs due to seasonal daylight drops, excessive treats, hidden parasites, or sudden flock stress. Laying hens require at least 14 to 16 hours of light daily to trigger the hormonal cascade that stimulates egg release. Another frequent issue is feeding too many scratch grains or table scraps, which dilutes their protein intake below the necessary 16 percent threshold. Inspect birds for external mites and ensure clean drinking water, as dehydration can halt laying within 24 hours.

Is organic chicken feed for egg production worth the extra cost for backyard flocks?

Organic chicken feed is worth the extra cost if you want to avoid synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, and genetically modified ingredients in your eggs. Certified organic feed typically costs 40 to 70 percent more than conventional feed per 50-pound bag, yet both deliver equivalent protein and calcium levels for egg output. Organic feed does not increase the total number of eggs laid compared to standard rations of equal nutritional quality. Choose organic if consumer preference, zero synthetic residues, and certified non-GMO standards justify the higher expense.