What should I feed?

[SeabassSarmale]

What should I feed chickens if I want to maximize egg laying production, but also keep them healthy and not overburdened? I’d be curious to know what y’all feed yours.

 

[cavemanrich]

Layer feed is the most efficient feed to max out egg production. Choose 18% protein if you can. Many Layer feeds are at 16% protein,, and are less cash.

I personally use an Alflock, 18% protein, and 2% calcium. Have been doing this very long time. Keeping chickens over 20+ years. Chickens are also my pets,, so I do not process (eat) my chickens, but do eat the eggs.

My reason for the lower calcium percentage..
My chickens live long lives. After a while, they stop laying eggs. I still keep them. That translates to flock of hens laying, and hens not laying.
I offer them cracked oyster shells free-choice always.

BTW,, offering cracked oyster shells free-choice is good even when feeding Layer feed. Chickens do know what they need, and will occasionally snack on the shells.

Another thing that I do, and many others as well. We recycle our spent egg shells back to the chickens. I just step on the shells in the run, to crush them into small pieces.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[WIchickMama]

Agree with above layer feed is a great option, with oyster/egg shells on the side.

I as well feed an All Flock, I had only hens until recently but the higher protein feed was an easy choice for me, I didn't need to switch or add too much if anything else during molt. Oyster shell and egg shells (when I have some) are always offered in the side as well as grit.

Also limiting treats will help keep the diet balanced.