If you’re wondering what is the best chicken feed for laying an egg, this article will help you decide. There are several options you can consider, including Grower feed, Dry mash, Non-GMO corn and soybean meal, Cheese, and more. You can also add oyster shells and grit to the mix. The latter is a natural supplement that will aid in digestion. In addition to adding these vitamins and minerals to their diet, you can also give them fresh water or oyster shells to aid in their digestion.
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Growinger feed
Starting with starter/grower feed is the best choice for chickens that are one to eight weeks old. Starter/grower feed contains a balanced protein, calcium, and vitamin formula that encourages top-tier egg-laying abilities. While it contains the same protein levels as grower feed, layer feed contains extra calcium to keep eggshells crisp and shiny. Layer feed should not be fed to baby chicks, only to those who are at least twenty weeks old and have begun laying eggs.
A good quality layer feed contains 16 to 20 percent protein and contains vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health. It should also contain prebiotics and probiotics to enhance the digestive health and immune system of your chickens. Also, remember to provide calcium for your chickens, as daily egg-laying can deplete calcium in their bodies. Another key component of good layer chicken feed is magnesium, which is important for their strong shells.
Dry mash
The best chicken feed for laying eggs generally has the highest protein content. Laying mash contains between 2.5% and 3.5% calcium, whereas growing chickens require only 1.2% to 3%. The laying mash is not for young chicks. It must also have about 16% protein. Generally, laying mash is made from corn or soybean meal. The ingredients also vary from location to location. In some areas, corn is the most common ration, while organic and non-GMO feeds are also available. As long as the mash is balanced for laying hens, it’s fine.
Mash can be messy, attracting pests. It also doesn’t flow well through gravity feeders. Besides, it can become clogged with moisture. Its particle size is not uniform, so chickens often pick out the larger pieces and scratch out the smaller ones. Vitamin and mineral powders might also not be ingested. But mash is a good choice for chickens whose primary goal is to lay eggs.
Non-GMO corn and soybean meal
The best chicken feed for laying eggs should contain no more than 16% protein and 2% calcium. Choose non-GMO corn and soybean meal. It will give your chickens a nutritious diet and help them reach their optimal health. When choosing the right feed for your chickens, make sure it has no additives. Always store it in a cool, dry place.
The Manna Pro Pellets, for example, are a great choice for egg-laying hens. This USDA-certified organic feed is packed with essential nutrients and a blend of natural and organic ingredients. It contains fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids. The pellet form makes it easy to store. However, if you plan on raising a larger flock, you might want to choose a feed that is non-GMO and organic.
Cheese
A major source of protein, cheese can be fed to chickens as a supplement to their diet. While a block of cheese is not the best option, shredded cheese is more easily digested and easier for fowl to peck. Additionally, cottage cheese is low in fat and is easy to blend with other treats. Depending on the type of cheese, shredded or whole, it can make a good addition to any poultry feed.
Cheese has many benefits for the health of your chicken. It contains calcium, which helps normalize nerve transmission, muscle and vascular function, and hormone secretion. The high calcium content in cheese helps keep the systems of your chicken healthy and keeps its eggshells firm and strong. Plus, it contains probiotic bacteria that are beneficial for chicken gut health. Aside from being a delicious treat for chickens, cheese is also an excellent source of calcium for chickens.
Table scraps
You should be aware that table scraps are not the best chicken feed for laying eggs. While they are perfectly edible, they should not be fed to chickens until they reach the age of four months. However, you can feed them small amounts of table scraps, including chopped dandelion leaves and scrambled eggs. If your chickens seem interested in eating the food, try offering them a small portion of it at a time.
You can also offer your chickens other foods that are good for them. You can mix in dusty bits from pellets and liquid waste oils. For instance, you can offer them bacon fat, but it is not recommended as it will attract predators. Cheese rinds and leftover milk from cereal bowls are also excellent chicken feed. You can also offer them corn. These foods are high in fiber and protein, and are also nutritious for your flock.
