Feeding your laying hens the right diet is essential for consistent egg production, vibrant yolks, and strong shells. While commercial feed is convenient, many backyard chicken keepers are turning to DIY chicken feed mixes to control ingredients, reduce costs, and ensure a healthier flock. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a nutrient rich homemade chicken feed mix for your layers.
Why Make Your Own Chicken Feed?
Mixing your own feed has several benefits:
- Ingredient control – Choose organic, non-GMO grains and avoid fillers.
- Nutrient customization – Adjust protein, calcium, and minerals to match your hens’ needs.
- Cost savings – Buying ingredients in bulk can reduce expenses.
- Flock health – Fresh, wholesome feed supports better egg production and overall vitality.
Nutritional Needs of Laying Hens
Healthy layers need a balanced diet containing:
- Protein (16–18%): Supports egg production and muscle health.
- Calcium: Builds strong eggshells.
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy for daily activity.
- Vitamins and minerals: Boost immunity and metabolism.
- Fats: Improve feather condition and energy storage.
Core Ingredients for DIY Chicken Feed Mix
Here’s a basic list of ingredients and their benefits:
- Cracked Corn: Energy source and helps with body warmth in colder months.
- Wheat or Barley: Balanced carbohydrates and fiber.
- Oats: Good for digestion and adds variety.
- Soybean Meal or Pea Protein: Excellent plant-based protein.
- Sunflower Seeds: Provide healthy fats and minerals.
- Fish Meal or Dried Mealworms: Boost protein and omega-3 levels.
- Limestone or Oyster Shells: Essential calcium source for strong shells.
- Kelp Meal: Natural source of vitamins, minerals, and iodine.
- Grit: Helps chickens grind food for better digestion.
DIY Chicken Feed Mix Recipe for Layers
For a 20-pound batch of layer feed:
- 8 lbs cracked corn
- 6 lbs wheat or barley
- 2 lbs oats
- 2 lbs soybean meal (or pea protein)
- 1 lb sunflower seeds
- 0.5 lb fish meal or dried mealworms
- 0.5 lb kelp meal
- Add oyster shells or limestone free-choice (not mixed directly in feed)
Mixing instructions:
- Combine all dry ingredients in a clean bin or container.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Feeding Tips for Healthy Layers
- Fresh water daily – Hydration is key for egg production.
- Free-choice calcium – Keep oyster shells in a separate dish.
- Avoid moldy feed – It can cause serious illness.
- Introduce gradually – Transition from commercial feed over 1–2 weeks to avoid digestive upset.
Benefits You’ll Notice
When feeding your hens a balanced homemade mix, you can expect:
- Brighter yolks with richer flavor.
- Stronger eggshells.
- Better feather condition.
- More active, happy chickens.
Final Thoughts
Making your own DIY chicken feed mix for healthy layers is not only rewarding but also gives you full control over your flock’s nutrition. With the right ingredients and a balanced formula, you can boost egg quality, improve hen health, and potentially save money in the long run.
