How to Feed Egg-Laying Hens

Egg-laying chickens have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives, so it's important to select feed and a feeding schedule that is right for laying hens. With laying hens, it's best to match the specific type of food to the chicken's age rather than relying on an all-purpose feed. This gives the optimum nutrition for each stage of the chicken's life. Some growers free feed or feed once per day, but most commercial growers have switched to phased feeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Chick starter feed
  • Pullet grower feed
  • Egg layer feed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Starting from the time they are chicks, the chickens should be fed a chick starter feed with a protein level of 20 to 22 percent. For 10 chickens, you should be feeding 20 to 29 lbs. per week, depending on the breed.

    • 2

      Switch the hens to pullet grower feed at the age of six weeks. The feed should have a protein level of 14 to 16 percent. The amount recommended is 120 to 130 lbs. per week for 10 chickens.

    • 3

      When egg laying starts, give the chickens layer feed with a protein level of 15 to 18 percent. Layer feed should be fed at 8 to 24 lbs. per week, but you can save some money by substituting 1/2 pound of corn or barley for 1/2 pound of layer feed per day.

    • 4

      For the best cost to egg ratio, feed the chickens several times throughout the day instead of free feeding or single feeding.