Choosing the right layer feed starts with one simple question: what are your flock goals?
 
To help break it down, we sat down with Purina Nutritionist and Flock Expert Patrick Biggs, Ph.D., to discuss the importance of layer feed and how to find the right fit for you and your flock.

Why Are Layer Feeds Important?

Understanding the importance of layer feeds is essential for the health and overall wellbeing of your flock. Layer feeds are specially formulated for adult hens, delivering the unique nutrition requirements needed to support consistent egg production. The key differentiator from starter and grower feeds, which focus on growth and development, is calcium. Calcium is essential for strong eggshell production; without enough of it, hens will simply stop laying.
 
To ensure your hens are getting everything they need, Purina layer feeds contain the Flock Strong^™ System. This blend of functional supplements and antioxidants helps your hens produce eggs with strong, protective shells and nutritious, golden yolks.

Goals At a Glance

Every flock owner is different, and the best feed for your birds depends on what you want from them, whether that's consistent egg production, enhanced personal nutrition, top-notch shell quality or simply keeping happy, healthy hens. While everyone is unique, these are some of the most common goals amongst flock owners.

Egg-Focused Flock Owners

Optimal nutrition for your flock is the key to consistent high-quality egg production. This is why Dr. Biggs recommends Purina^® Layena^® 16% as a strong place to start. Layena is a complete feed designed to maximize egg production and quality –– plus it contains the Oyster Strong^® System with oyster shells, vitamin D and manganese to help with shell strength.
 
He also noted avoiding scratch grains, treats and table scraps if this is your goal. Layena provides everything a laying hen needs, and adding other foods dilutes the nutrition and can negatively impact production.
 
For egg-focused owners specifically interested in enhancing their personal nutrition, Dr. Biggs suggests feeding hens Purina^® Layena^® Omega-3.
 
A standard corn and soy diet produces eggs with roughly 50 mg of Omega-3s, but adding flaxseed and other Omega-3 sources like Purina^® Layena^® Omega-3 can raise that content to 250-300 mg per egg. However, if maintaining elevated Omega-3 levels is important to your goals, it requires continuously feeding your hens an Omega-3 product.

Extra Protein Needs

If you like to let your ladies forage or are heavy-handed when it comes to treats, Purina^® Layena^® High Protein 19% might be the right choice for your flock. Dr. Biggs recommends this layer feed as it compensates for foraging since most things birds find while free ranging are higher in carbs and fat and not in protein. Choosing a higher-protein feed will ultimately help balance your flock's total diet.

Organic Preference

If feeding your ladies organic ingredients is your top priority, Purina^® Organic Layer Pellets or Crumbles may be the right choice for you. This balanced, complete feed delivers 16% protein to keep your hens healthy and laying nutritious eggs. USDA-certified organic, it's made with non-GMO ingredients grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

Healthy Hen Parents

If your chickens are part of your family and the goal is to keep them happy and healthy without a specific interest in egg production, Purina^® Farm to Flock^® 18% Layer Food might be best suited for you. Your birds will be healthy and will produce some eggs, just not at maximum levels.
 
There’s something for every hen in your flock to enjoy with this complete, whole-food goodness, featuring a medley of high-protein pellets, ancient grains, seeds and veggies that’ll keep them happy, healthy and pecking the day away. However, Dr. Biggs noted there's no reason a pet-focused owner couldn't also use Layena products.
 
Need a little more guidance? Visit our feed finder to determine the right feed for your flock.