What Protein Percentage Do Laying Hens Need? 16% vs 18% Layer Feed

Choosing the right feed is one of the most important decisions for anyone keeping laying hens. If you are comparing 16% vs 18% layer feed, you may wonder whether the higher protein percentage automatically means better nutrition.

The short answer is: not necessarily.

For laying hens, protein percentage is important, but it is only one part of a complete diet. The quality of the protein, amino-acid balance, energy level, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins and minerals all matter when choosing a layer ration.

For Canadian backyard flocks and small farms, commercially prepared layer feeds commonly fall within the 16% to 19% protein range. Manitoba Agriculture, for example, lists commercially prepared laying-hen rations at 16–19% protein for birds from approximately 18 weeks onward.

What Protein Percentage Do Laying Hens Need?

A practical target for many laying hens is around 16% to 19% crude protein in a complete layer ration.

Manitoba Agriculture describes a 16% protein laying-hen diet beginning at the start of egg production and continuing through peak production, with a lower-protein diet possible later when production declines.

This means both 16% and 18% layer feeds can fit within a normal feeding program, depending on the flock, feed formulation and overall management.

The important point is that hens need a balanced complete ration, not simply the highest possible protein percentage.

16% vs 18% Layer Feed: What's the Difference?

The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at the protein concentration.

An 18% feed provides more crude protein per kilogram of feed than a 16% feed.

However, that does not automatically make it the better choice for every flock.

Is 18% Protein Better Than 16% for Laying Hens?

Not automatically.

An 18% layer feed can be a useful option when you want a higher-protein complete ration, but hens do not choose feed based on the protein number alone.

The complete formulation matters.

Protein supplies amino acids that birds need for normal body functions and production. A feed with a suitable protein percentage but an unsuitable amino-acid balance may not provide the same nutritional value as a properly formulated complete ration.

That is why it is better to compare the whole feed label rather than looking only at the large protein number on the bag.

Why Does Protein Matter for Laying Hens?

Laying hens continually use nutrients while producing eggs. Protein provides amino acids that contribute to maintaining the bird's body and supporting normal production.

A laying hen also needs adequate energy, minerals and vitamins. Manitoba Agriculture notes that laying-hen diets need an appropriate calcium source, with laying hens requiring about 4% calcium in the diet.

This is especially important because a bag labelled "18% protein" does not tell you everything about the feed.

When comparing feeds, look at:

• Crude protein

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Energy

• Amino-acid balance where provided

• Vitamins and minerals

• Feeding directions

• Whether the product is a complete layer ration

  
  

Protein Isn't the Only Nutrient That Matters

One of the biggest mistakes backyard chicken owners make is choosing feed based entirely on protein percentage.

For laying hens, the diet also needs appropriate mineral nutrition. Calcium is particularly important because hens use calcium in the production of eggshells.

Canadian feed labelling requirements also recognise that complete feeds need nutrient guarantees beyond crude protein. Under Canada's current feed-label framework, complete-feed guarantees include crude protein, crude fat, fibre and minimum guarantees for nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and vitamins A, D and E.

So when comparing two layer feeds, don't stop at:

16% vs 18%

Instead ask:

Which complete feed provides the overall nutritional profile my laying flock needs?

When Should You Use Layer Feed?

Layer feed is generally introduced when pullets reach the laying stage rather than during their early growth period.

Manitoba Agriculture's small-flock feeding guidance lists:

• 0–8 weeks: starter feed

• 8–18 weeks: grower ration

• 18+ weeks: laying-hen ration, commonly around 16–19% protein

  
  

Always follow the manufacturer's feeding directions because the appropriate transition point can depend on the specific product.

What About Canadian Winters?

Ontario and other parts of Canada have an additional consideration: winter weather.

Cold temperatures can increase the energy demands of birds. Manitoba Agriculture notes that in cold weather, hens may have more difficulty consuming enough energy to maintain maximum egg production when diets are relatively low in energy.

This is another reason why simply choosing the highest protein number isn't always the right approach.

During an Ontario winter, pay attention to the complete nutritional profile, feed intake, body condition, flock age and environmental conditions.

Can You Feed Scratch Grain With Layer Feed?

Yes, scratch grain can be used as a supplemental treat, but it should not replace a properly formulated complete layer ration.

Grains can add variety to a flock's diet, but feeding too much supplemental grain can dilute the nutrients supplied by the complete feed.

For laying hens, the complete layer ration should remain the foundation of the feeding program.

This is particularly important when comparing scratch grain vs layer feed: scratch grain and complete layer feed serve different purposes.

Which Is Better for Backyard Chickens: 16% or 18%?

For many backyard flocks, either a properly formulated 16% or 18% complete layer feed can be appropriate.

Choose based on:

1. The complete nutritional analysis

2. The feed manufacturer's recommendations

3. The age and production stage of your hens

4. Your flock's feed intake

5. Seasonal conditions

6. Whether you are adding supplemental grains or treats

   
   

If your hens are already doing well on a properly formulated 16% layer feed, there may be no reason to switch simply because another product says 18%.

On the other hand, an 18% complete layer feed may be a suitable option for keepers who prefer that formulation.

16% vs 18% Layer Feed: The Bottom Line

So, what protein percentage do laying hens need?

For Canadian backyard and small-farm flocks, a complete layer ration in the 16–19% crude-protein range can be appropriate. Both 16% and 18% feeds fall within this practical range.

The best feed isn't necessarily the one with the highest protein percentage. Instead, look for a complete, properly balanced layer ration that provides appropriate protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins and minerals.

For Ontario chicken keepers, choosing a quality layer feed and following the manufacturer's feeding directions is a better approach than selecting feed based on protein percentage alone.

FAQ?

Is 16% protein enough for laying hens?

A properly formulated 16% complete layer ration can be suitable for laying hens. Manitoba Agriculture specifically provides guidance for a 16% laying-hen diet during active production.

Is 18% protein too much for laying hens?

18% crude protein is within the commonly used range for complete layer rations. However, the suitability of a feed depends on its complete formulation rather than protein percentage alone.

Should I choose 16% or 18% layer feed?

Both can be suitable. Compare the complete guaranteed analysis, feeding directions and overall formulation instead of choosing based only on protein.

Can laying hens eat scratch grain?

Yes, scratch grain can be offered as a supplemental treat, but it should not replace a complete layer ration.

Do laying hens need calcium?

Yes. Calcium is an important part of a laying hen's diet because hens require calcium for eggshell production. Manitoba Agriculture indicates laying hens need about 4% calcium in the diet.

Does higher protein mean more eggs?

Not necessarily. Egg production depends on several factors including genetics, age, health, energy intake, nutrition, environment and management. A higher protein percentage by itself does not guarantee increased egg production.