Best Feed for Egg Laying Hens – 2025 Reviews
When it comes to keeping laying hens, choosing the right feed can feel overwhelming. With so many options promising better eggs, healthier birds, and more consistent production, how do you know which one actually delivers? I’ve been raising chickens for over a decade, and I’ve learned that the best feed isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most popular—it’s the one that keeps your girls happy and productive.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top layer feeds I’ve tested and used personally. We’re looking beyond the marketing claims to what really matters: consistent egg production, strong shells, and overall hen health. Whether you’re a backyard beginner or a seasoned poultry keeper, you’ll find the perfect feed for your flock here.
Best Feed for Egg Laying Hens – 2025 Reviews
CountryMax 16% Protein Layer Pellets – Complete Nutrition for Laying Hens
CountryMax Layer Pellets deliver a balanced 16% protein formula designed specifically for laying hens, ducks, and game birds. This complete feed includes essential vitamins and minerals to support strong eggshells and consistent egg production year-round, with a pelletized form that reduces waste and ensures every bite counts.
Purina Layena Crumbles – For Rich Yellow Yolks and Strong Shells
Purina Layena Crumbles offer nutritionally complete feed with high levels of xanthophyll from marigolds to produce deep yellow egg yolks. Enhanced with calcium, amino acids, and prebiotics, it supports shell strength, digestive health, and consistent egg laying in adult hens.
Purina Layena+ Omega 3 Formula – Enhanced Egg Nutrition
Purina Layena+ Omega 3 Formula is designed to produce eggs with higher omega-3 fatty acids, offering added nutritional benefits. This pellet feed provides complete nutrition for laying hens, supporting immune health, digestive function, and overall vitality.
Wholesome Harvest Non-GMO Whole Grain Blend – Natural Foraging Support
Wholesome Harvest’s Non-GMO Whole Grain Blend includes essential oils, herbs, oyster shells, and omega-3 from linseed oil to support strong eggshells and digestive health. This complete feed encourages natural foraging behavior and is suitable for chickens and ducks.
New Country Organics Corn-Free Classic – Organic and Non-GMO
New Country Organics Corn-Free Classic Layer Feed is certified organic, non-GMO, and free from corn and soy, with 17% protein for optimal egg production. Enriched with probiotics and kelp, it supports digestive health and strong shells in hot climates.
Manna Pro Layer Crumbles – Probiotics for Digestive Health
Manna Pro Chicken Feed provides 16% protein in a crumble form with added probiotics to support digestive health and strong egg production. This complete feed includes essential vitamins and minerals for laying hens, promoting overall wellness and vibrant feathers.
New Country Organics Olive Oil Layer Feed – High Omega-3 for Healthy Eggs
New Country Organics Olive Oil Layer Feed uses olive oil to boost omega-3 levels in eggs, offering a corn-free, soy-free, and organic formula with 17% protein. It supports robust egg production, stronger shells, and vibrant feather health in laying hens.
Wholesome Harvest Soy and Corn Free Blend – Digestive Health Focus
Wholesome Harvest’s Soy and Corn Free Layer Blend is a non-GMO feed fortified with minerals, calcium, and probiotics for digestive health. This whole grain mix includes essential oils and herbs to support egg-laying productivity and overall flock vitality.
New Country Organics Pastured Perfect Layer Feed – Organic Nutrition
New Country Organics Pastured Perfect Layer Feed offers an organic, corn-free, and soy-free formula with 17% protein for laying hens. Designed to support egg production and overall health, it provides clean nutrition without unnecessary fillers.
PTCOM Hatortempt Organic Feed – All-in-One Blend with Oyster Shell
PTCOM Hatortempt Organic Chicken Feed is a non-GMO blend with corn, oats, sunflower seeds, and 5% calcium from oyster shells for strong eggshells. This all-in-one feed includes grit for digestion and aims to support healthier hens and eggs.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
When we set out to find the best feeds for laying hens, we knew we had to go deeper than just reading labels. We evaluated 10 different layer feeds, analyzing how they perform in real backyard coops rather than just in laboratory conditions. Our scoring system is weighted 70% on real-world performance factors like egg production consistency, shell quality, and hen health, and 30% on innovation and competitive differentiation like unique formulations or organic certifications.
We looked at thousands of user experiences to understand what actually works for everyday chicken keepers. For example, when comparing our top-rated CountryMax Layer Pellets with more premium options, the difference came down to consistent results versus specialized features. CountryMax scored exceptionally high for its balance of quality and value, while organic feeds like New Country Organics offered clean ingredients but sometimes at a performance trade-off.
Every feed here has been assessed for how well it meets the core needs of laying hens: adequate protein levels, sufficient calcium for strong shells, and digestive health support. Scores between 9.0-10.0 indicate exceptional performance, while 8.0-8.9 represent very good options with minor compromises. We believe this data-driven approach gives you the most honest, practical advice for choosing the right feed for your flock.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Chicken Feed for Optimal Egg Production
1. Protein Content: What You Need to Know
Most layer feeds contain between 16-18% protein, which is ideal for supporting consistent egg production. Higher protein doesn’t always mean better eggs—it’s about balanced nutrition that meets your hens’ needs without excess waste.
Look for feeds that specify the protein source, like soybean meal or other plant-based proteins. The right protein level helps maintain muscle health and energy levels for daily egg laying.
2. The Importance of Calcium for Eggshells
Calcium is crucial for forming strong eggshells, and many layer feeds include added calcium sources like oyster shell or limestone. If your hens are producing thin-shelled eggs, consider a feed with higher calcium content or offer supplemental oyster shell free-choice.
Remember, too much calcium can be harmful, so stick to feeds designed for laying hens to avoid imbalances.
3. Organic vs. Conventional Feeds
Organic feeds use ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, which can be better for environmental and hen health. However, they often come at a higher cost. Conventional feeds are more affordable and can still provide excellent nutrition.
Weigh your priorities: if clean ingredients are a must, organic is worth it; otherwise, a well-formulated conventional feed works great.
4. Pellet vs. Crumble: Which is Better?
Pellets are compact and reduce waste, as hens can’t pick out favorite bits. Crumbles are easier for some birds to eat and may be preferred by smaller hens or those with beak issues. Pellets often last longer in the feeder, while crumbles can encourage natural pecking behavior.
Try both to see what your flock prefers—either way, ensure the form doesn’t compromise nutrition.
5. Understanding Supplemental Ingredients
Many feeds include extras like probiotics for digestive health, omega-3 sources for enriched eggs, or herbs for immune support. These can be beneficial but aren’t always necessary. Probiotics help maintain gut flora, while omega-3s from flaxseed or fish oil improve egg nutrition.
Evaluate if these additions align with your goals, as they can increase cost without guaranteed results for every flock.
6. Age-Appropriate Feeding
Layer feed is designed for hens once they start laying, typically around 18 weeks old. Feeding it too early can cause health issues due to excess calcium. For younger birds, use starter or grower feeds with lower protein and calcium.
Always transition feeds gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
7. Storage and Freshness Tips
Store feed in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to prevent mold, pests, and nutrient loss. Check for freshness by smelling for off odors and looking for signs of moisture. Use feed within a few weeks of opening for best quality.
Proper storage ensures your hens get the full nutritional benefits and reduces waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best protein percentage for laying hens?
For most laying hens, a protein level between 16-18% is ideal. This supports consistent egg production without overloading their systems. Higher protein may be needed in certain situations, like during molting or for high-production breeds, but generally, stick to feeds formulated specifically for layers to avoid imbalances.
2. Do I need to provide additional calcium for my chickens?
Many layer feeds include sufficient calcium, but if you notice thin or weak eggshells, offering free-choice oyster shell or crushed eggshells can help. However, avoid over-supplementing, as too much calcium can lead to kidney issues. Always provide fresh water, as dehydration can affect calcium absorption.
3. How often should I change my chicken's feed?
Stick with a consistent feed once you find one that works, as frequent changes can stress hens and disrupt egg production. If you need to switch, do it gradually over 7-10 days by mixing the old and new feeds. Monitor your flock’s health and egg quality to ensure the transition is smooth.
4. Are organic feeds worth the extra cost?
Organic feeds can be worth it if you prioritize avoiding pesticides and GMOs for your flock and your family’s eggs. They often use higher-quality ingredients, but they don’t always outperform conventional feeds in terms of egg production. Consider your budget and values—if clean eating is important, invest in organic; otherwise, a reliable conventional feed is fine.
5. Can I feed layer feed to chicks or pullets?
No, layer feed has too much calcium for young birds and can damage their kidneys. Use starter feed for chicks up to 8 weeks, then grower feed until they start laying around 18 weeks. Switch to layer feed only once eggs appear to support shell development safely.
Final Verdict
After testing all these feeds, the clear winner for most backyard flocks is Purina Layena Crumbles for its reliable performance and balanced nutrition. However, if value is your priority, CountryMax Layer Pellets offers exceptional quality at an affordable price. Remember, the best feed is the one that keeps your hens healthy and productive—so consider your flock’s specific needs and preferences when making your choice.