What Do Chickens Eat? Complete Feeding Guide for Hens
What Do Chickens Eat? A Complete Feeding Guide for Laying Hens The Quick Answer Chickens eat a balanced layer feed (16–18% protein) as their main diet, plus insoluble grit for digestion and oyster shell for calcium. Each laying hen needs about 1/4 pound of feed per day. Safe vegetable scraps, fruits, and free-range forage make healthy treats, but treats should never exceed 10% of their diet. Getting feeding right is the single biggest lever you have for healthy hens and strong eggshells. The good news? It is simpler than most beginners expect. What Should You Feed Your Chickens Every Day? The foundation of every hen's diet is a complete layer feed. Think of it as their daily multivitamin plus dinner in one. A good layer feed is formulated with 16–18% protein, the right balance of calcium (about 3.5–4.5%), and all the vitamins and minerals a laying hen needs to produce an egg almost every day. Feed stores sell layer feed in three forms: crumbles, pellets, and mash. Pellets are the m...