Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens in Ontario: Complete Buyer’s Guide

The best chicken feed for laying hens in Ontario is a complete layer feed that provides balanced protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and energy required for daily egg production. Layer crumble and pellets are popular choices because they provide complete nutrition while supporting healthy hens and strong eggshells.

best chicken feed Ontario

Best chicken feed Ontario

Choosing the best chicken feed in Ontario is one of the most important decisions for backyard chicken owners and small flock keepers.

A healthy hen needs more than just grains or kitchen scraps. Proper poultry nutrition supports:

• Consistent egg production

• Strong eggshells

• Healthy feathers

• Good body condition

• Overall flock wellness

  
  

With many options available, including layer pellets, crumble feed, mash, scratch grains, and specialty formulas, selecting the right feed can feel confusing.

This complete guide explains what to look for when choosing the best chicken feed for laying hens in Ontario, how different feed types compare, and how to provide your flock with balanced daily nutrition.

What Is the Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens?

The best feed for laying hens is a complete layer ration designed specifically for chickens producing eggs.

A quality layer feed should include:

✅ Balanced protein

✅ Calcium for eggshell strength

✅ Essential vitamins

✅ Minerals

✅ Energy from grains

✅ Proper nutrient balance

Layer feeds commonly contain around 16–18% protein and increased calcium levels to support egg production and strong shells.

For backyard chickens in Ontario, a complete layer feed is usually the simplest and most reliable option because it provides the nutrition hens need in one product.

What Nutrients Do Laying Hens Need?

1. Protein

Protein supports:

• Feather growth

• Muscle maintenance

• Egg production

  
  

Most layer feeds are formulated with appropriate protein levels for mature hens.

2. Calcium

Calcium is essential for:

• Strong eggshells

• Bone health

• Proper laying performance

  
  

A calcium level around 3–4% is commonly used in layer diets.

3. Vitamins and Minerals

Important nutrients include:

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin E

• Phosphorus

• Trace minerals

  
  

These help maintain overall flock health.

Layer Pellets vs Layer Crumble: Which Is Better?

Many Ontario chicken owners ask:

"Should I feed my hens pellets or crumble?"

Both can provide complete nutrition, but each has advantages.

Layer Crumble

Benefits:

✔ Easier for hens to eat

✔ Suitable for backyard flocks

✔ Smaller pieces reduce feeding difficulty

✔ Popular for mixed-age flocks

Crumble feed is especially convenient for smaller backyard chickens because the pieces are easy to pick up.

Layer Pellets

Benefits:

✔ Less waste

✔ Cleaner feeding area

✔ Easy portion control

✔ Good for larger flocks

Pellets are often preferred by larger poultry operations because they reduce feed separation.

Feature	Layer Crumble	Layer Pellets
Ease of eating	Excellent	Good
Backyard flock suitability	Excellent	Good
Feed waste	Moderate	Lower
Small hens	Better choice	May require adjustment
Larger farms	Good	Excellent

Best Chicken Feed Ingredients to Look For

A quality chicken feed should contain:

Whole Grains

Examples:

• Corn

• Wheat

• Barley

• Oats

  
  

These provide energy.

Protein Sources

Examples:

• Soybean meal

• Plant proteins

• Amino acids

  
  

These support growth and egg production.

Minerals

Important minerals include:

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Trace minerals

  
  

Farmers Choice Chicken Crazy Crumble — Designed for Ontario Backyard Flocks

For backyard chicken owners looking for convenient daily nutrition, Farmers Choice Chicken Crazy Crumble provides:

✔ Complete feed formula

✔ Easy-to-feed crumble texture

✔ Wholesome grain mix

✔ Nutrition designed for laying hens

✔ Convenient feeding for backyard flocks

The crumble format makes it easy for hens to pick up and consume while providing a balanced feeding solution.

How Much Feed Does a Laying Hen Need?

An average laying hen eats approximately:

100–120 grams of feed per day

Monthly requirement:

Number of Hens	Monthly Feed Needed
5 hens	15–18 kg
10 hens	30–36 kg
20 hens	60–72 kg
50 hens	150–180 kg

Actual intake depends on:

• Weather

• Breed

• Egg production

• Free-ranging

• Feed availability

• 
  

Feeding Chickens During Ontario Winters

Ontario winters can affect chicken feeding habits.

Cold weather may increase energy requirements because hens use more energy to maintain body temperature.

Winter feeding tips:

Keep Feed Dry

Moisture can spoil feed and reduce quality.

Use Covered Feeders

This prevents:

• Snow contamination

• Feed waste

• Rodent attraction

  
  

Monitor Feed Consumption

Watch for changes during very cold periods.

Common Chicken Feeding Mistakes

1. Feeding Too Much Scratch Grain

Scratch grain is a treat, not a complete diet.

Too much can reduce balanced nutrition.

2. Using Incorrect Feed for Age

Different birds need different nutrition.

Examples:

• Chicks → Starter feed

• Growing birds → Grower feed

• Laying hens → Layer feed

  
  

3. Ignoring Calcium Needs

Low calcium can lead to:

• Thin eggshells

• Weak shells

• Reduced egg quality

How to Choose Chicken Feed in Ontario

Before buying chicken feed, consider:

Your Flock Size

Small backyard flocks may prefer convenient crumble bags.

Hen Age

Only mature laying hens should receive layer feed.

Egg Production Goals

Choose a feed designed specifically for laying performance.

Storage

Store feed:

• In sealed containers

• Away from moisture

• Away from rodents

  
  

FAQ

What is the best chicken feed for laying hens in Ontario?

The best chicken feed is a complete layer ration containing balanced protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals for daily hen nutrition.

Is crumble or pellets better for laying hens?

Both provide complete nutrition. Crumble is often easier for backyard hens to eat, while pellets can help reduce waste.

How much chicken feed does one hen eat per day?

A laying hen typically eats around 100–120 grams of feed daily.

When should chickens start eating layer feed?

Most hens transition to layer feed around the beginning of egg production, often around 18–20 weeks depending on development.

Can chickens live only on scratch grain?

No. Scratch grain should be treated as a supplement, while complete poultry feed should provide the main nutrition source.