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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You notice a drop in egg count. The shells look thin. Your hens seem off. The difference between a dozen good eggs and a dozen great ones often depends on what fills the feeder. A laying hen needs a precise mix of protein, calcium, and amino acids (the building blocks for egg production). Feed that misses the mark can stop egg production cold. This guide breaks down seven top options to help you pick the right layer feed for your flock.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Choosing the right chicken feed for laying hens means balancing protein levels, ingredient quality, feed form (is it a crumble, a pellet, or a mash?), and how much you want to spend — all of which affect the eggs you collect each morning.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Chicken Feed For Laying Hens
You want strong egg production and healthy hens. Here is what to check before you buy.
Protein Content
You need feed with around 16% protein to keep your hens laying consistently. A feed with less than that may cause fewer eggs or a complete stop. Most layer formulas in this roundup hit that 16% mark, but check the label on any bag.
Feed Form: Crumbles, Pellets, or Mash
Crumbles are smaller pieces that make pecking easy — many backyard keepers report their hens prefer them over pellets. Pellets are compressed into larger chunks, which creates less waste but can be harder for smaller birds to eat. Mash is a fine, powdery form; some brands recommend soaking it to reduce dust and waste.
Key Additives: Calcium and Probiotics
You need calcium for strong eggshells. Some feeds include an “oyster strong system” or added calcium. Probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) support digestive health, helping hens absorb more nutrients from their food. Both additives can reduce the need for separate supplements you buy in a different bag.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Protein | Weight | Form | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purina Layena+ Omega 3★ Best Overall | Omega-3 eggs | High Protein | 10 lbs | Pellet | Amazon |
| Purina Layena CrumblesAlso Great | Large flock value | High Protein | 50 lbs | Crumbles | Amazon |
| Manna Pro Layer Crumbles | Digestive health | 16% | 8 lbs | Crumble | Amazon |
| Waggin’ Train Layena Pellets | Eggshell strength | High Protein | 25 lbs | Pellet | Amazon |
| Prairie’s Choice Layer Formula | Non-GMO nutrition | 16% | 25 lbs | Crumble | Amazon |
| New Country Organics Corn-Free | Hot climate feeding | 17% | 25 lbs | Flake | Amazon |
| Scratch and Peck Layer Mash | Whole-grain purity | 16% | 40 lbs | Whole Grain Mash | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Purina Layena+ Omega 3 Formula
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 850+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
This feed delivers a measurable 250 mg of Omega-3 per egg — a nutrition upgrade for your table that no other pick in this list claims.
If the nutritional quality of your eggs matters as much as how many you collect, this Purina formula fits you. It is formulated so each large egg carries 250 mg of Omega-3 (a type of healthy fat), a measurable boost over standard feed. One reviewer noted their chickens love this brand and that the eggs come out with “thick shelled and have a dark yellow yolks.”
The trade-off is bag size — at 10 lbs it is the smallest option here, so you will reorder often. The pellet form is convenient for scooping, but owners mention chickens sometimes prefer crumbles over pellets. Still, with a 4.6 rating from 863 reviews and a Non-GMO ingredient claim, this is the pick for keepers who want a specific health benefit in their eggs and do not mind a smaller bag. The feed is a vegetarian formula and is rated for all breed sizes.
Egg-enhancing specialist: Perfect if you want measurable Omega-3 in your eggs and have a small flock that will finish a 10 lb bag quickly. Shoppers note the price feels high for the size, so consider bulk ordering if you go through feed fast.
Who it fits: Small-flock keepers who prioritize Omega-3 content and are happy with pellet form.
The catch: The 10 lb bag means frequent reorders, and some buyers had packaging issues in delivery.
2. Purina Layena Crumbles (50 lbs)
This 50-pound bag is the pick for a large flock because it keeps your hens laying without costing more per feeding than any other option here.
You get the crumble form of Purina’s classic Layena formula. One big reason backyard chicken keepers choose it: the bag lasts. At 50 lbs, it is a larger bag than the 10 lb Purina Layena+ Omega 3 bag, meaning fewer trips to the store and a lower cost per scoop. Buyers report their chickens love this feed and that it smells like standard, good-quality feed.
The formula includes added marigold extract, which helps your hens produce rich yellow yolks, plus calcium, manganese, and trace minerals (small amounts of essential nutrients) for strong eggshells. One reviewer summed it up: “birds love to eat it up fast.” The crumble form is easy for hens to peck and digest. The balanced formula covers essential amino acids (protein building blocks), so you do not have to mix in supplements. The trade-off is storage — at 50 lbs you need a dry, rodent-proof bin. If you own only two or three hens, the feed may lose freshness before they finish it.
The Heavy Lifter
- 50 lb bag is the most economical option for larger flocks
- Contains marigold extract for vibrant egg yolks
- Crumble form is easy for hens to eat
Storage Reality Check
- Large bag needs a dry, rodent-proof container
- May lose freshness before a small flock finishes it
Reach for this if: You have four or more hens and want the most cost-effective, complete layer feed in a proven formula.
Look elsewhere if: You only have a couple of birds and prefer a smaller bag that stays fresher longer.
3. Waggin’ Train Layena Pellets (25 lbs)
A 25 lb bag of pellets with an Oyster Strong System that tackles thin eggshells head-on — unlike the standard Purina Layena Crumbles, this one adds targeted calcium.
Crunchy eggshells start with enough calcium in the feed, and this Purina Layena formula addresses that directly. Its Oyster Strong System (extra calcium from oyster shell) helps hens produce shells that do not crack under pressure. Buyers confirm the results — one reviewer says “my chickens love it and lay fabulous eggs,” and many keep it on auto-ship because it works.
At 25 lbs, this bag hits a balance between the small 10 lb options and the massive 50 lb bag — big enough for a mid-size flock but still manageable to carry and store. The pellet form creates less dust and waste compared to crumbles. Some keepers note their hens peck at pellets more slowly than crumbles, so watch for that. It is made by Land O’Lakes, Inc. and is rated for adult chickens of all breeds.
What Works
- Oyster Strong System adds targeted calcium for harder shells
- 25 lb mid-size bag is easy to store and transport
- Strong 4.6 rating from hundreds of reviews
What to Know
- Pellet form may not suit hens used to crumbles
- Some buyers received bags from a source labeled different than expected
Best for keepers: If you are fighting thin or brittle eggshells, this feed’s Oyster Strong System is the specific fix — one buyer mentioned the ingredients are “amazing” and the bag size is generous.
Consider another: If your hens already have strong shells or prefer crumbles, you may not need the calcium boost.
4. Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO Layer Formula (25 lbs)
Customers note this 16% protein crumble restored egg production in days — making it a strong choice if your hens have stopped laying.
This is the feed that solved a common crisis for one reviewer: “Chickens stopped laying in warm January; switching to this feed restored egg production within days.” At 16% protein, it is formulated for hens 16-18 weeks and older. The crumble form is easy to digest. The ingredient list is Non-GMO, all-natural, antibiotic-free, non-medicated, and gluten-free — a clean lineup for keepers who want transparency.
A long-term buyer reported using it for years, saying “my girls are still laying.” Another noted the eggs are “much bigger than before” after switching. The bag is grown, milled, and packaged in the USA. One quirk: some chickens picked out certain ingredients, which means they may take a day or two to adjust. At 25 lbs it is a practical size for a medium flock — bigger than the 10 lb Purina Layena+ Omega 3 bag but not as heavy as the 50 lb bag.
Production restorer: If your hens have stopped laying or you want a non-GMO crumble with 16% protein, this is the leading contender — multiple long-term buyers call it the best feed they have ever used. One owner reported it took their chickens a little time to warm up to the crumble.
Who it is for: Keepers who want a non-GMO, antibiotic-free crumble and need a reliable 16% protein source for year-round laying.
Heads up: Some hens may pick out certain ingredients at first, and the crumble form can create some fines in the bottom of the bag.
5. Manna Pro Layer Crumbles with Probiotics (8 lbs)
An 8 lb bag of probiotic crumbles — a tiny trial size that one long-time buyer has relied on for years with a small flock.
This Manna Pro feed packs probiotics into every crumble to support digestive health, helping hens absorb more nutrients from their food. The crumble form is what many keepers say their hens prefer — as one buyer put it: “Chickens prefer crumbles over pellets; lay 1 egg/day.” The 16% protein formula is designed for laying hens and includes added calcium for strong eggshells. The same reviewer noted they add a calcium supplement alongside it, which is a common practice even with calcium-added feeds.
At 8 lbs, this is the smallest bag in the lineup — ideal for testing a new feed or for a very small flock. Buyers appreciate that the feed smells fresh (not musty) and that it rivals feed-store quality without the trip. Another reviewer shared that after switching, their new laying hens’ “laying frequency increased after a week.” The trade-off: several users want bigger bags and note the price per pound is higher than bulk options like the 50 lb Purina Layena Crumbles.
The Good
- Probiotics support digestive health and nutrient absorption
- Crumble form is preferred by many hens over pellets
- Fresh smell and quality ingredients
The Limits
- 8 lb bag is small for anything beyond a tiny flock
- Higher cost per pound than bulk feed options
Sample size pick: Perfect for testing a probiotic feed with 1-3 hens or supplementing a larger bag. One buyer says “my chicken love this” and has used it for many years.
Skip if: You need a bag that lasts more than a couple of weeks for a medium or large flock — step up to the 25 lb or 50 lb options.
6. New Country Organics Corn-Free Classic Layer (25 lbs)
A high-protein, low-starch formula designed to keep hens cooler in hot weather — and it is the only corn-free, soy-free, organic feed on this list.
Heat stress can shut down egg production fast. This feed tackles that directly with a high-protein, low-starch mix designed to keep birds cooler in warm weather. It is certified organic and Non-GMO. It is also corn-free and soy-free, a rare combination that some keepers specifically need for their flock’s health. Reviewers point out their “hens enjoy it and lay frequently,” and one described it as “healthy and fresh” for their picky eaters.
At 17% protein, it has the highest protein percentage in this roundup — one point above the standard 16% layer formula. The flake form is unique here and works well for fermentation (soaking the feed overnight to break it down), which one reviewer does to reduce waste: “soak overnight to eliminate waste.” The bag is 25 lbs, but the price is premium, so it costs more per pound than the Purina bulk options. Some bags have a fair amount of powder fines (dusty bits), which can be wasted if you do not ferment or moisten them.
Hot-weather specialist: If you live in a warm climate and want a corn-free, soy-free, organic feed, this is the only option in the list that checks all those boxes. One long-time buyer has raised birds on this feed from starter through layer stage. The catch: you may need to add oyster shell for shell strength, and the price is on the higher side.
Best for: Southern flock keepers or anyone dealing with heat-stressed hens who want a certified organic, high-protein feed that is corn-free.
Consider carefully: The premium price per pound and potential need for extra calcium or fermentation to manage powder fines.
7. Scratch and Peck Feeds Whole Grain Layer Mash (40 lbs)
A 40 lb bag of whole, minimally processed grains — you can see each individual ingredient, which makes this the most transparent pick on the list.
This is the feed for keepers who want total visibility into what their chickens eat. Each grain is visible in the mash. The feed is USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified with no fillers or medications. The 16% protein formula is soy-free and fermentable — many buyers soak or ferment it to eliminate the powder waste that comes with mash. One customer observed switching from cheaper feed to this caused laying to resume “even during a freeze.”
At 40 lbs, it is a solid mid-size bag with premium ingredients that support both hybrid and heritage breeds. Buyers consistently praise the quality, noting the chickens “loved it” and that the ingredients are “high-quality.” The main drawback is price — one local buyer found the same 40 lb bag at their feed store for a lower price, making the Amazon price feel steep. The mash form also creates significant powder fines unless fermented, so expect to manage that step.
What Shines
- Visible whole grains — no mystery fillers
- USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified
- Soy-free and fermentable for easy digestion
The Hurdles
- Premium price — higher than most options here
- Powdery fines require fermentation or soaking to avoid waste
Whole-food purist pick: If you want total ingredient transparency and are willing to ferment or soak the feed to minimize waste, this is the gold standard. One user highlighted the “high-quality ingredients” and that their “chickens liked it.”
Skip if: Budget is a primary concern or you want a no-fuss feed you can pour straight into the feeder without prep work.
Understanding the Specs
Protein Percentage
Your laying hens need about 16% protein in their feed to maintain consistent egg production. A feed below that mark may cause them to slow or stop laying. The feeds here range from 16% to 17% protein, so any of them support good egg output.
Crumble vs Pellet vs Mash
Feed form changes how your hens eat. Crumbles are small and easy to peck — many keepers report their hens prefer them. Pellets are denser and create less waste but can be harder for small birds. Mash is a whole-grain form that often needs soaking or fermenting to reduce powder waste.
FAQ
How much feed does a laying hen eat per day?
Can I feed layer feed to chicks or roosters?
What is the difference between crumbles and pellets?
Do I need to add calcium separately?
How should I store a 50 lb bag of feed?
Is non-GMO feed worth the extra cost?
Why did my hens stop laying after switching feed?
Can I feed layer crumbles to ducks?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the best chicken feed for laying hens winner is the Purina Layena Crumbles (50 lbs) because it delivers the most economical cost per feeding in a proven, balanced formula that keeps hens laying strong. If you want measurable Omega-3 in every egg, grab the Purina Layena+ Omega 3 Formula. And for non-GMO purity that restored egg production for many keepers, the standout is the Prairie’s Choice Layer Formula.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.