The Foundation: Commercial Layer Feed
A complete layer feed (16% protein) should make up roughly 90% of your adult hens' diet. It is nutritionally balanced with the calcium, vitamins, and minerals needed for consistent egg production and overall health. Layer feed comes in pellet, crumble, and mash forms — pellets waste the least, crumbles are easier for smaller breeds, and mash tends to scatter and waste more. Buy from a reputable feed mill and store in airtight containers to prevent moisture and rodent contamination.
Feed by Age
Chicks (0-6 weeks) need starter feed at 18-20% protein. Pullets (6-18 weeks) transition to grower feed at 16-18% protein. Once hens begin laying (typically 18-24 weeks), switch to layer feed at 16% protein. If you have a mixed-age flock, feed an all-flock or flock-raiser feed (typically 18% protein) and offer oyster shell free-choice for the layers — they will self-regulate calcium intake.
Essential Supplements
Oyster shell provides supplemental calcium for strong eggshells. Offer it free-choice in a separate container — hens that need it will eat it; others will leave it alone. Grit (small pebbles or commercial poultry grit) aids digestion, especially for chickens that eat anything beyond commercial feed. Free-ranging birds usually pick up natural grit from the ground, but coop-confined birds need it provided.
Safe Treats and Kitchen Scraps
Treats should make up no more than 10% of the diet. Good options include leafy greens (kale, lettuce, spinach), cooked grains (rice, oatmeal), vegetables (squash, cucumbers, corn), fruits (berries, watermelon, apple), and protein sources (mealworms, scrambled eggs). Scatter treats on the ground to encourage foraging behavior and prevent boredom.
Avocado (skin and pit contain persin), raw or dried beans (contain phytohemagglutinin), chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, raw potatoes and green potato skins (solanine), onions in large quantities, and anything heavily salted, sugared, or processed.
Water Is the Most Important Nutrient
A hen drinks roughly one pint of water per day — more in summer. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Dehydration reduces egg production within hours and can become life-threatening rapidly. In summer, add electrolytes to water during heat waves. In winter, ensure water does not freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I feed my chickens per day?
A standard laying hen eats roughly a quarter-pound (about four ounces) of feed per day. A flock of six goes through about ten pounds per week.
Can chickens eat bread?
In small amounts, plain bread is not harmful but has little nutritional value. It should be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple. Moldy bread should never be fed.
Do chickens need grit?
If your chickens eat anything other than commercial feed — treats, scraps, foraged insects and plants — they need grit to grind food in their gizzard. Offer it free-choice in a separate container.