Here's Why Layer Feed Isn’t Best for Backyard Chickens
When you walk into a feed store, “layer feed” is usually front and center. It’s marketed as the obvious choice for laying hens — but the truth is, layer feed wasn’t designed with backyard chickens in mind at all.
Layer feed was created for one thing: commercial egg farms. Those operations focus on producing eggs as cheaply as possible, and hens in those systems typically live only 18 months before being replaced. That’s a very different reality than what most of us want for our backyard flocks. We’re looking for healthy, happy chickens that live longer, more productive lives.
In this post, I’ll explain why 16% layer feed falls short, why an all-flock feed often makes more sense, and how simple supplements like oyster shell and fresh greens can improve your flock’s diet.
The History of Layer Feed
Layer feed came out of the rise of commercial poultry production in the early 1900s. Hens were being bred to lay far more eggs than ever before, and nutrition had to keep up. Feed mills started formulating special rations with added calcium (limestone or oyster shell) to make sure eggshells were hard enough to survive transport to market.
At the same time, they began cutting protein — the most expensive ingredient in poultry feed. The goal wasn’t long-term health; it was maximizing egg output at the lowest possible cost.
Why 16% Protein Isn’t Enough
Most layer feed sits at 16% protein. That number isn’t random — it’s the bare minimum needed to keep a hen alive and laying. It’s “just enough” to cover egg production, but not much else.
The problem? Chickens need protein for far more than eggs. Molting, healing wounds, handling stress, and simply maintaining good body condition all require additional protein. If they don’t get it, the body prioritizes survival — and egg production slows or stops.
The Case for All-Flock Feed
All-flock feeds typically run 18–20% protein, giving birds the extra margin they need to thrive, not just survive.
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Molting? Extra protein supports feather regrowth.
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Injury or stress? Protein helps with healing and recovery.
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Longevity? Birds on higher-protein diets maintain stronger body condition over the years.
Some worry that 18–20% protein is “too much.” But scientific studies show the opposite — higher-protein diets support egg mass, feather quality, and overall health without harming the birds. The real issue isn’t too much protein. It’s not enough.
What About Calcium?
Layer feed bakes calcium into every bite, whether the bird needs it or not. That’s fine for an actively laying hen — but it can be harmful to roosters, pullets, or retired hens.
The better approach is to feed all-flock as the base and offer oyster shell free-choice. Hens that need the calcium will take it, and those that don’t will leave it alone. It’s simple, cheap, and safer for a mixed flock.
Backyard Chickens vs Commercial Layers
In commercial operations, hens are culled after 18 months. Their feed is designed with that short timeline in mind.
Backyard chickens, on the other hand, can live five to ten years with good care. If your goal is long-term health and steady egg production over many seasons, it doesn’t make sense to feed them like a short-term “egg machine.”
How I Feed My Flock
Here’s what works on my homestead:
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Base feed: All-flock feed (18–20% protein)
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Calcium: Oyster shell offered free-choice
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Greens: Daily kale or clippings from the garden
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Forage: An in-run “salad bar” seeded with forage mix that the hens can safely graze
This combination gives my chickens the balance of protein, calcium, and variety they need to stay healthy and productive for the long haul.
Final Thoughts
Layer feed was designed for cheap, short-term egg production. Backyard keepers usually want something more — healthier birds, better eggs, and flocks that live longer than 18 months.
By choosing an all-flock feed, offering oyster shell on the side, and supplementing with fresh greens or forage, you can give your chickens the nutrition they need to thrive.
Further Reading
If you want to dig into the science, here are some of the studies I reference:
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Effect of Dietary Protein and Added Fat Levels on Performance of Young Laying Hens
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Positive and Negative Impacts of Dietary Protein Levels in Laying Hens