- The best layer feed for most backyard flocks is a complete layer pellet or crumble from a feed maker, such as Kalmbach Layer Pellets 25 lb or Purina Layena+ 40 lb, fed as the main diet.
- Want organic? Kalmbach Organic 17% crumbles (35 lb), or corn- and soy-free Scratch and Peck or Mile Four organic mash at 16% protein.
- Two or three hens? Small bags such as Manna Pro 16% (8 lb x 2) stay fresh until finished.
- Plan on about ¼ lb per hen per day (Alabama Extension), up to 25% more in cold weather (UMN). Four hens finish a 25 lb bag in about 25 days.
- Layer feed is for laying hens. Chicks and young pullets need starter or grower feed; follow the feeding directions on the bag.
The best layer feed is the one your hens eat as their main diet, that matches how you want them fed (conventional, organic, soy-free), and that comes in a bag your flock finishes while it is still fresh. Layer feeds are complete rations built for hens that are laying, with added calcium for eggshells, so treats and scratch should stay a small part of what they eat.
We compared eight layer feeds from five brands by listed type, protein, bag size and what the maker says is in the bag. Where a listing gives no protein figure, we say so. Browse every feed in feed and supplements, and if you are deciding between two big names, read Manna Pro vs Kalmbach layer feed.
Our picks
Kalmbach Feeds Layer Pellets, 25 lb
- Type
- Layer pellets
- Bag size
- 25 lb
- Medicated?
- Antibiotic free
Kalmbach's Layer Pellets come in a 25 lb bag made with grains and proteins plus added vitamins and minerals, and the listing states the feed is antibiotic free. Pellets are the least wasteful form for most feeders.
Best for: Most backyard flocks of 3–8 hens
Skip if: You want an organic or soy-free feed
- Pellets waste less
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Antibiotic free, per the listing
- Protein percentage not listed in our data
- 25 lb lasts four hens about 25 days
Purina Layena+ High Protein Layer Feed, 40 lb
- Type
- Layer feed (high protein)
- Bag size
- 40 lb
Purina's Layena+ High Protein layer feed comes in a 40 lb bag. The listing does not give the protein percentage or the form, so check the tag for both before you switch your flock.
Best for: Flocks of six or more that finish 40 lb quickly
Skip if: You have two or three hens: the bag may go stale
- 40 lb bag, fewer trips
- Purina Layena line
- High-protein layer formula, per the maker
- Protein and form not listed
- Heavy to carry
Kalmbach Organic 17% Layer Crumbles, 35 lb
- Type
- Layer crumbles (organic)
- Bag size
- 35 lb
- Protein %
- 17%
Kalmbach's Organic Layer Crumbles are listed at 17% protein in a 35 lb bag. It is the highest listed protein among the layer feeds here and the largest organic bag.
Best for: Organic-fed flocks of four or more
Skip if: You want a corn- and soy-free feed
- Organic
- 17% protein listed
- 35 lb bag
- Crumbles spill more than pellets
- Little detail in the listing
Kalmbach Feeds Layer Crumbles, 25 lb
- Type
- Layer crumbles
- Bag size
- 25 lb
- Medicated?
- Antibiotic free
Kalmbach Layer Crumbles carry the same added vitamins and minerals as the pellets in a 25 lb bag, listed as antibiotic free, in crumble form for hens that prefer it.
Best for: Hens moving up from chick crumbles
Skip if: Your feeder spills fine particles
- Crumble form
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Antibiotic free, per the listing
- More fines than pellets
- Protein not listed in our data
Manna Pro 16% Layer Pellets with Probiotics, 8 lb x2
- Type
- Layer pellets
- Bag size
- 8 lb, pack of 2
- Protein %
- 16%
Manna Pro's 16% Layer Pellets are a complete feed with probiotics, omega-3 and added calcium for laying hens, sold as two 8 lb bags. Small bags make sense for two to four hens.
Best for: Small flocks and backyard starters
Skip if: You feed a big flock: small bags cost more per pound
- 16% protein
- Probiotics and omega-3 listed
- Two 8 lb bags stay fresh
- Small total weight
- More packaging per pound
Manna Pro 16% Layer Crumbles with Probiotics, 8 lb x2
- Type
- Layer crumbles
- Bag size
- 8 lb, pack of 2
- Protein %
- 16%
Manna Pro's 16% Layer Crumbles are a complete layer crumble with probiotics, made in the USA, in two 8 lb bags.
Best for: Two to four hens that prefer crumbles
Skip if: You want an organic feed
- 16% protein
- Probiotics listed
- Made in USA
- Crumbles spill more
- Small bags
Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Mash, 10 lb
- Type
- Layer mash (organic, fermentable)
- Bag size
- 10 lb
- Protein %
- 16%
Scratch and Peck's Organic Layer Mash is certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified at 16% protein, corn- and soy-free, made from whole grains, and can be fed dry or fermented. The listing names chickens and ducks.
Best for: Keepers who want soy-free feed or fermenting
Skip if: Your hens waste loose mash
- Corn and soy free
- Can be fermented
- Listed for chickens and ducks
- Mash form wastes more in open feeders
- 10 lb bag
Mile Four Organic Layer Mash, 2 lb x2
- Type
- Layer mash (organic)
- Bag size
- 2 lb, pack of 2
- Protein %
- 16%
- Medicated?
- Non-medicated
Mile Four's Organic Layer Mash is certified organic, non-GMO, corn- and soy-free at 16% protein, made from US-grown grains, and listed as non-medicated. Two 2 lb bags let you see whether your hens take to it before buying more.
Best for: Testing an organic soy-free feed
Skip if: You need a main-feed bag size
- Organic, US-grown grains
- Corn and soy free
- Small trial size
- 4 lb total lasts four hens about four days
- Mash form
Layer feeds compared by protein and bag size
| Product | Type | Protein % | Bag size | Medicated? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalmbach Feeds Layer Pellets, 25 lb | Layer pellets | — | 25 lb | Antibiotic free |
| Purina Layena+ High Protein Layer Feed, 40 lb | Layer feed (high protein) | — | 40 lb | — |
| Kalmbach Organic 17% Layer Crumbles, 35 lb | Layer crumbles (organic) | 17% | 35 lb | — |
| Kalmbach Feeds Layer Crumbles, 25 lb | Layer crumbles | — | 25 lb | Antibiotic free |
| Manna Pro 16% Layer Pellets with Probiotics, 8 lb x2 | Layer pellets | 16% | 8 lb, pack of 2 | — |
| Manna Pro 16% Layer Crumbles with Probiotics, 8 lb x2 | Layer crumbles | 16% | 8 lb, pack of 2 | — |
| Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Mash, 10 lb | Layer mash (organic, fermentable) | 16% | 10 lb | — |
| Mile Four Organic Layer Mash, 2 lb x2 | Layer mash (organic) | 16% | 2 lb, pack of 2 | Non-medicated |
Specs as listed by the maker or seller; check the listing before you buy.
How many days one purchase feeds 4 laying hens
Listed bag weight ÷ 1 lb a day (4 hens × ¼ lb). Expect up to 25% faster use in cold weather.
Pellets, crumbles or mash: which layer feed form is best?
Feed forms at a glance
| Form | Waste in feeders | Good for | Picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pellets | ✓ Lowest | Most flocks, treadle and port feeders | Kalmbach pellets, Manna Pro pellets |
| Crumbles | ~ Some fines | Hens used to chick crumbles | Kalmbach crumbles, Kalmbach Organic, Manna Pro crumbles |
| Mash | ✗ Most loose bits | Fermenting, wet mash, soy-free diets | Scratch and Peck, Mile Four |
Nutritionally, the form matters less than the formula on the tag. Choose the one your hens eat with the least waste in your feeder; a covered port or treadle feeder from our chicken feeder picks cuts waste for any form.
How we chose the best layer feed
We compared each listing's feed type, listed protein, bag size, medication status and ingredient claims (organic, non-GMO, corn- and soy-free, probiotics), and grouped feeds by the kind of keeper they suit. We did not feed these to a flock or measure egg output, and we make no claims about health or laying results. Protein and ingredients are as listed; check the feed tag before you buy because formulas change. Eight picks come from five brands.
How to switch to layer feed and feed it well
- Wait until hens are laying
Layer feed carries extra calcium for eggshells. Chicks and young pullets eat starter or grower feed until they begin laying; follow the maker's directions on the bag.
- Switch gradually
Mix the new feed into the old over about a week so hens accept it.
- Make it the main diet
Layer feed is a complete ration. Keep scratch, kitchen scraps and treats small so they do not dilute it; see our mealworm and grub picks for treats.
- Offer oyster shell and grit on the side
Many keepers offer oyster shell free-choice in a separate dish, plus insoluble grit if hens eat anything besides the feed.
- Buy a bag you finish while fresh
Check the date on the tag and store feed sealed, dry and cool so it does not get damp, moldy or full of pests.
- Mixed flock?
If ducks or geese share the feeder, an all-flock feed such as Kalmbach Flock Maker, which the maker says meets waterfowl niacin needs, plus oyster shell for the layers, is a common setup.
Layer feed mistakes to avoid
- Feeding layer feed to chicks. The calcium level is meant for laying hens.
- Filling up on scratch. Scratch grains are a treat, not a feed (Scratch and Peck lists its scratch at 9–10% protein).
- Buying a 40 lb bag for two hens. It lasts about 80 days at ¼ lb each, long enough to go stale.
- Leaving feed where wild birds and rodents reach it. Use a covered feeder inside the coop.
- Expecting feed to fix every laying slump. Daylight, age, molt and stress all affect laying; see why are my chickens not laying. If hens look ill, contact a veterinarian or your state poultry lab.
Who should choose which layer feed?
- Most backyard flocks: Kalmbach Layer Pellets 25 lb. More starter-flock picks in your first flock.
- Bigger flocks: Purina Layena+ 40 lb.
- Organic, conventional ingredients: Kalmbach Organic 17% crumbles.
- Corn- and soy-free: Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Mash, or a Mile Four trial bag first.
- Two to four hens: Manna Pro 16% pellets or crumbles in 8 lb bags.
- Selling eggs: use the feed calculator to track feed cost per dozen; more seller gear is in selling eggs.
For most backyard flocks, a complete layer pellet such as Kalmbach Layer Pellets is the simple, low-waste default, with Purina Layena+ as the bigger-bag option. If you want organic, Kalmbach Organic 17% is the largest organic bag here, and Scratch and Peck covers corn- and soy-free diets. Choose a bag size your hens finish in about a month.
We compare manufacturer specs and listing data (egg capacity by egg size, forced or still air, humidity control, turner type and auto-stop, alarms; coop floor area against the claimed number of hens, wood or plastic, nest boxes, latches; door lift capacity, power and sensor; feeder and waterer capacity and heater wattage; feed protein and form) and what the maker says each product is for, alongside extension, CDC, USDA and FDA guidance. Coop capacity is recounted from the listed floor area with published space norms. We did not hatch eggs in, house birds in, install or lab-test these products, and we never show invented scores, ratings or prices.