Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens in Ontario: Complete Buyer’s Guide
Choosing chicken feed is one of the most important everyday decisions you make for your flock. Your hens need a balanced ration, reliable access to water, and a feeding routine that suits their life stage.
However, with layer pellets, crumble, scratch grain and supplements available, knowing which bag to buy is not always straightforward.
The best chicken feed for laying hens in Ontario is a complete layer ration formulated for mature hens producing eggs. It should have clear feeding directions, appropriate nutritional specifications, and a texture your birds eat consistently.
Whether you keep a small backyard flock in Blenheim or care for more hens elsewhere in Chatham-Kent, this guide explains how to compare feeds, calculate purchasing quantities, and build a practical feeding programme.
What Is the Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens?
For mature egg-producing hens, choose a complete layer feed and follow its current label directions. Pellets and crumble can both be suitable. Scratch grain, kitchen scraps and outdoor forage should not replace the balanced daily ration.
A prepared feed provides a balance of protein, vitamins and minerals that a grain-only diet cannot reliably supply. University of Minnesota Extension recommends balanced prepared feed for chickens.
The best choice is therefore about suitability rather than simply buying the highest-protein or most expensive product.
Before purchasing, check:
Whether the product is intended for laying hens.
Whether it is a complete feed or a supplement.
Its guaranteed analysis and feeding directions.
The texture your birds are comfortable eating.
How much you can store cleanly and safely.
Match the Feed to Your Chickens’ Life Stage
Chicks, growing pullets and laying hens have different feeding requirements.
Birds you are feeding | Appropriate feed category | What to check |
Young chicks | Chick starter | Labelled age range and feeding directions |
Growing pullets | Pullet grower or suitable starter/grower | Manufacturer’s transition programme |
Mature hens producing eggs | Complete layer ration | Suitability for laying poultry |
Mixed ages or different poultry species | A programme appropriate to each group | Whether separate feeding arrangements are needed |
Do Not Choose Feed by Texture Alone
“Crumble” describes particle size, not nutritional purpose.
Chick starter crumble and layer crumble are different products. A smaller particle does not make layer feed appropriate for young chicks.
When Should Hens Move onto Layer Feed?
Follow the manufacturer’s feeding programme. Masterfeeds advises introducing its layer ration when hens begin laying.
For a fuller explanation, read our
Read the Feed Label Before Comparing Brands
The current package label is your most useful starting point. It identifies the intended birds, nutritional specifications and correct way to feed the product.
Complete Feed vs Supplement
A complete feed is intended to supply the daily ration when used according to its directions.
A supplement or concentrate must be combined with other ingredients at a specified rate. It should not be treated as a complete ration simply because it has a high protein percentage.
If you are considering a supplement, confirm the mixing instructions before purchasing.
Protein and Overall Nutritional Balance
Protein is important, but it is only one part of the formula.
A suitable layer ration also accounts for energy, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Compare products intended for the same class of birds rather than choosing solely by the largest number on the bag.
Calcium and Other Minerals
Egg-producing hens need an appropriate calcium supply. Check the guaranteed analysis and feeding instructions for your chosen product.
For example, Masterfeeds identifies its 18% AV Layer feed as a sole ration for laying hens. Confirm the specifications on the current bag, particularly where website information differs.
Feed Condition and Freshness
Avoid feed that is damp, mouldy, musty or contaminated. Choose an order quantity that you can store properly and use at a sensible rate.
Choose Between Layer Pellets and Crumble
Both formats can provide complete nutrition when their formulations and intended uses are equivalent.
The practical difference is how your hens eat them and how your feeder handles them.
Consideration | Layer pellets | Layer crumble |
Texture | Larger compressed pieces | Smaller broken particles |
Useful for | Birds comfortable eating pellets | Birds accustomed to smaller particles |
Fine material | Often less loose material | May contain more fines |
Waste | May help reduce some spillage | Depends on feeder design and bird behaviour |
What to monitor | Acceptance of pellet size | Accumulation of fines |
Nutritional suitability | Depends on the formula and label | Depends on the formula and label |
When Pellets May Be a Practical Choice
Consider pellets if your hens eat them readily and you want to try reducing loose material around the feeder.
Monitor consumption after changing formats. A tidy-looking feeder is useful only if the birds are eating enough.
When Crumble May Be a Practical Choice
Consider crumble if your hens prefer smaller particles or have difficulty with the available pellet size.
Check whether birds leave dusty material behind, and adjust the feeder to reduce spillage.
Compare Layer-Feed Options Available in Ontario
Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies lists layer-feed options from Masterfeeds and Jones Feed Mills.
Masterfeeds offers its 18% AV Layer product in pellet and crumble formats, with a 25 kg bag size. The manufacturer directs that it be fed as the sole ration to laying hens.
This is an option to compare if you want a formulated daily ration with a choice of texture.
Our product listing identifies Jones Feed Mills 18% Layer Crumbs as feed for laying hens, with 18% crude protein and a 25 kg bag size. Follow the current package directions.
This option is worth comparing if your mature laying hens are comfortable eating crumble.
Choose according to label suitability, flock preference and availability. A suitable feed supports a balanced routine; it does not guarantee a particular number of eggs.
Keep Scratch Grain in Its Proper Role
Scratch grain should not replace a complete layer ration.
Whole or cracked grains can provide supplementary feeding and encourage scratching behaviour, but they do not offer the same nutritional balance as a formulated daily feed.
Too many extras can reduce the amount of complete ration your hens eat.
Establish the main feeding programme first, then discuss appropriate supplements with your feed supplier.
Can Free-Ranging Hens Live on Forage Alone?
The amount and nutritional value of outdoor forage vary with the season, environment and flock.
Keep suitable complete feed available as directed. Do not assume that hens spending time outdoors are receiving a dependable balanced diet.
Calculate How Much Feed to Buy
Actual consumption varies with bird size, breed, weather, activity, production stage and wastage.
For the following purchasing examples, we use 110 g per hen per day. This is a planning assumption, not a fixed feeding allowance or limit.
Keep the appropriate ration available as directed, then measure your own flock’s use.
Chicken-Feed Planning Table
Calculations assume a 30-day month and no wastage.
Number of hens | Estimated daily feed | Estimated monthly feed | Approximate duration of a 25 kg bag |
3 | 0.33 kg | 9.9 kg | 76 days |
5 | 0.55 kg | 16.5 kg | 45 days |
10 | 1.10 kg | 33 kg | 23 days |
15 | 1.65 kg | 49.5 kg | 15 days |
20 | 2.20 kg | 66 kg | 11 days |
30 | 3.30 kg | 99 kg | 8 days |
50 | 5.50 kg | 165 kg | 5 days |
Using the planning assumption:
10 hens × 0.11 kg = 1.10 kg daily.
25 kg ÷ 1.10 kg = approximately 23 days per bag.
Measure feed use over several days and adjust your order accordingly. Allow enough time for pickup or delivery before your supply runs out.
Compare Value Beyond the Bag Price
Compare cost per kilogram alongside suitability, wastage and storage.
A hypothetical 25 kg bag costing $30 works out to $1.20 per kilogram.
At the example intake of 110 g daily, that is approximately $0.13 per hen per day, before delivery, tax, wastage and additional supplies.
A lower bag price may offer little benefit if birds spill large amounts or feed becomes spoiled.
To manage costs:
Measure your flock’s consumption.
Adjust feeders to reduce scratching and spillage.
Keep feed protected from moisture and pests.
Use older stock first.
Buy quantities that fit your storage conditions.
Maintain a Reliable Routine Through Ontario Seasons
Winter Feeding
Protect feed from moisture and check that birds can reach both feed and drinking water.
Lower winter egg numbers do not automatically mean the ration is unsuitable.
Masterfeeds notes that shorter days can slow laying, while age, stress, nutrition and moulting also affect production.
Review the whole routine before making major feed changes.
Summer Feeding
Keep water fresh and accessible, and protect feed from dampness.
Continue providing the appropriate complete ration even when hens spend more time outside.
Understand Oyster Shell and Grit
Oyster shell and insoluble grit serve different purposes.
Product | Main purpose |
Oyster shell | Provides calcium |
Insoluble grit | Helps birds grind coarse material in the gizzard |
Masterfeeds recommends insoluble grit where birds have access to whole grains or coarse litter, with directions for how to offer it.
Whether additional calcium is appropriate depends on the ration and feeding programme. Ask for guidance before mixing extra minerals into complete feed.
Store Chicken Feed Properly
Store feed in a clean, dry, covered area, protected from rodents, insects and moisture.
Keep bags sealed or transfer feed into a clean, suitable container. Retain the label so you can refer to the directions and identify the product.
Small flocks may benefit from regular replenishment. Larger flocks may find multi-bag ordering practical when suitable storage is available.
Never feed material that looks or smells spoiled.
Where to Buy Chicken Feed in Blenheim and Chatham-Kent
Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies offers chicken-feed options online, with pickup in Blenheim and eligible delivery arrangements. Availability and delivery depend on the product, destination and order.
FAQ
What Is the Best Chicken Feed for Laying Hens in Ontario?
Choose a complete layer ration intended for mature egg-producing hens. Check the current label, feed texture, freshness and feeding directions.
Are Layer Pellets Better Than Crumble?
Neither format is universally better. Both can provide complete nutrition when appropriately formulated. Choose the format your hens eat consistently and your feeder handles efficiently.
Can Chicks Eat Layer Crumble?
Chicks need an age-appropriate starter ration. Do not use layer crumble for chicks unless the product label specifically permits it.
How Long Does a 25 kg Bag Last for Ten Hens?
At a planning assumption of 110 g per hen daily, a 25 kg bag lasts approximately 23 days. Actual consumption and wastage affect the result.
Can Scratch Grain Be the Main Feed?
Scratch grain should not replace a complete layer ration. Use it only as an appropriate supplement within your feeding programme.
Does Higher Protein Mean Better Feed?
Not necessarily. The full formula and intended use matter. High-protein supplements may require mixing and should not be treated as complete feed.
Do Free-Ranging Hens Still Need Formulated Feed?
Keep suitable complete feed available as directed. Outdoor forage varies and cannot reliably replace the balanced ration.
Is Chicken-Feed Pickup Available in Blenheim?
Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies offers Blenheim pickup. Confirm product stock and collection arrangements before travelling.
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