Keeping chickens is incredibly rewarding, whether you have a few hens in the garden or a larger flock. One of the most important parts of poultry care is making sure your birds receive the right nutrition throughout the year.
With so many different feeds available, it can sometimes be difficult to know which one to choose. In this guide, we'll explain the different types of chicken feed, when to use them, and how to ensure your flock stays healthy, active and productive.
Why Choosing the Right Feed Matters
A balanced diet helps chickens:
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Produce strong eggs with healthy shells
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Maintain healthy feathers
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Support growth and muscle development
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Stay active and healthy
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Maintain a strong immune system
Feeding poor quality or unsuitable feed can result in reduced egg production, weak eggshells, poor feather condition and nutritional deficiencies.
Layers Pellets: The Everyday Choice for Laying Hens
For most backyard chicken keepers, layers pellets should form the foundation of your hens' diet.
Walter Products Layers Pellets are a complete feed formulated specifically for laying birds, including chickens, ducks and geese. They contain 16% protein alongside essential vitamins, minerals and calcium to support healthy egg production, feather development and overall wellbeing.
Benefits of Layers Pellets
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Complete daily nutrition
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High protein content
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Added calcium for strong eggshells
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Supports feather and muscle development
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Suitable for feeding all year round
Layers pellets should be fed freely throughout the day, with most hens consuming around 150g to 175g per bird per day. Feeding pellets in the morning helps ensure your birds consume their balanced ration before filling up on treats and forage.
Mixed Corn: A Popular Treat
Mixed corn is one of the most popular poultry feeds, but it should be viewed as a treat rather than a complete feed.
Many chicken keepers enjoy feeding corn in the afternoon as a reward or to encourage natural foraging behaviour.
Benefits of Mixed Corn
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Encourages natural scratching and foraging
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Provides an energy boost
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Helps keep birds occupied
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Great for scattering around the run
Because mixed corn is lower in protein than layers pellets, it should not replace your chickens' main diet.
Poultry Grit: Essential for Digestion
Unlike us, chickens do not have teeth. Instead, they rely on grit in their gizzard to help grind down food.
If your birds have access to free-range areas they may find some natural grit themselves, but many flocks benefit from additional poultry grit being provided.
Benefits of Poultry Grit
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Supports digestion
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Helps break down food efficiently
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Can improve nutrient absorption
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Often contains oyster shell for additional calcium
Providing grit alongside your chickens' regular feed is a simple way to support long-term health.
What Should Chickens Eat Throughout the Day?
A simple feeding routine might look like this:
Morning
Provide layers pellets as the main feed source.
Afternoon
Offer a small amount of mixed corn as a treat or scatter feed.
Always Available
Fresh clean water and poultry grit.
This approach ensures your chickens receive balanced nutrition while still enjoying variety and enrichment.
Seasonal Feeding Tips
Spring and Summer
During warmer months, hens are often laying at their highest rate and spending more time foraging. Continue feeding a high-quality layers pellet and ensure fresh water is always available.
Autumn and Winter
As temperatures drop, birds use more energy to keep warm. A small afternoon feed of mixed corn can provide additional energy during colder weather while layers pellets continue to provide their essential nutrition.
Don't Forget Fresh Water
No matter how good your feed is, fresh water is just as important.
A laying hen can drink a surprising amount of water each day, particularly during hot weather. Always ensure drinkers are clean and topped up.
Choosing the Best Feed for Your Flock
If you're unsure where to start, the answer is simple:
Layers Pellets should be the main feed for most laying hens.
They provide everything your birds need for healthy egg production, strong feathers and overall wellbeing. Mixed corn and other treats can then be fed in moderation alongside a balanced diet.
At Walter Products, we believe in providing quality feed at competitive prices. Our poultry range is carefully selected to help keep your flock healthy, productive and happy throughout the year.
Whether you're new to keeping chickens or have years of experience, feeding the right diet is one of the best investments you can make in your birds.
