What to Feed Chickens for Egg Production
Table of Contents
- The Best Feed for Laying Hens: Pellets, Mash, and What to Avoid
- How Much to Feed Laying Hens Per Day
- Calcium for Laying Hens and Chicken Grit for Strong Shells
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: October 14, 2026
The Best Feed for Laying Hens: Pellets, Mash, and What to Avoid
Knowing what to feed chickens for egg production starts with one rule: layers need a balanced ration built for laying, not a general-purpose mix. At Chartley Chucks (Staffordshire), the best feed for laying hens is a complete layers ration, pellets or mash, with the calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D3 a hen needs for strong bones and steady egg numbers.
Pellets and mash deliver the same nutrition: pellets reduce waste, mash suits birds preferring a finer texture. What you avoid matters just as much:
- Grower or chick crumbs, which lack the calcium a laying hen needs
- Bread, kitchen scraps and scratch as the main diet
- Mouldy or stale feed, which can make birds ill
Defra guidance on keeping poultry
How Much to Feed Laying Hens Per Day
A laying hen typically needs around 120g of layers feed per day, though appetite varies with size, weather and free-ranging. Offer feed in a proper hopper and let hens eat little and often.
Adjust based on what you see: birds laying well and holding condition are getting enough, while thin birds or a dip in egg numbers mean the ration needs a second look. Always keep fresh, clean water available, and free-ranging hens still need their layers ration as the foundation of the diet.
Calcium for Laying Hens and Chicken Grit for Strong Shells
Calcium for laying hens comes from the layers ration, topped up with grit and oyster shell offered separately. Hens have no teeth, so they need grit to grind food in the gizzard and soluble calcium to build strong shells.
Layers Mash/Meal - Farmgate formulated for laying hens →
Chicken grit for laying hens is best fed ad-lib in its own hopper. Gastro Grit combines grit with proteins, minerals and plant extracts to support gut health and shell strength, while our mixed poultry grit is a straightforward everyday option. For soft-shelled eggs or lower-than-expected laying, extra grit is often the first thing we suggest.
Getting egg production right comes down to a complete layers ration, the correct daily amount, and free access to grit and calcium. Chartley Chucks supplies Farmgate Layers Pellets and Layers Mash, both formulated with optimum calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D3, alongside Gastro Grit and mixed poultry grit for stronger shells and healthier hens. We also offer UK-wide delivery, collection, and a 30-minute advice chat on keeping and caring for chickens if you're unsure where to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best feed for laying hens?
A complete layers pellet or mash is the best base feed for laying hens because it is formulated with the right balance of protein, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D3. Farmgate Layers Pellets and Layers Mash, available from Chartley Chucks, are formulated for laying hens and support shell quality, yolk colour and egg numbers. Pellets reduce waste from selective feeding, while mash suits hens that prefer a looser texture. Whichever you choose, keep it as the main diet rather than topping up with too many treats or scraps.
How much should I feed a laying hen each day?
Most laying hens eat around 120g of layers feed per day, though this varies with breed, size, weather and how much they free range. Offer feed in the morning and top up in the afternoon, removing leftovers before they spoil. If hens are free ranging on good grass, they may eat slightly less compound feed but still need their layers ration for consistent egg production. Adjust amounts if you notice weight loss, over-fat birds or a drop in laying.
Do laying hens need extra calcium and grit?
Yes. Laying hens need calcium for strong shells, and a complete layers feed provides a baseline, but extra calcium from sources like mixed poultry grit or Gastro Grit supports hens through heavy laying periods and soft-shell issues. Grit also helps hens without teeth grind food in the gizzard. Offer grit ad lib in a separate feeder so hens take what they need. If shells are thin or soft, increase calcium-rich grit and check that layers feed is fresh.
