Feeding laying hens in our yards and gardens

Laying hens are, in terms of both numbers and production, the most important group of poultry—and indeed livestock—in small-scale farming. In large-scale production systems, they are clearly defined, consisting of hybrid laying hens used for intensive egg production during a single season. In small backyard flocks, however, both hybrids and a wide range of purebred breeds or their crossbreeds can be found, living under various conditions. The level of care provided by the keeper plays a decisive role, and this is reflected in egg production results as well as in the health status of the birds.

As with all animals, optimal performance is largely influenced by nutrition. Feeding practices can vary greatly—from hens kept in unrestricted free-range systems with access to natural and traditional feeds (where annual seasonality must be taken into account), through the use of various household food leftovers suitable for feeding, to complete compound feeds for hens housed in confined spaces. These methods are often combined. Moreover, a small-scale flock is rarely uniform—it often consists of birds of different ages, performance levels, body weights, etc. The variability is almost unlimited. However, we must always consider the welfare of the hens and, consequently (or rather primarily), our own prosperity—our goal is to produce truly high-quality, healthy food for our own table.

The requirements of laying hens producing both table eggs and hatching eggs have been thoroughly scientifically studied. Precise values have been established for dozens of nutrients they require at different stages of life and production. Small-scale keepers can also draw on the knowledge commonly used worldwide in the production of complete feed mixtures and in egg and breeding poultry production. If we were to describe all aspects of nutrition, nutrients and feed ingredients, and all types of feeds suitable for laying hens, it would require a medium-sized book. Today, however, we will mention only the most basic principles.

What influences the nutrient requirements and feed intake of an individual laying hen?

• Live body weight, age, or stage of the laying cycle
• Performance—number and weight of eggs in a given period, and physical activity
• Environmental temperature (optimum is 12–20 °C); for example, a decrease of 1 °C increases feed consumption by 1–1.5%

An average hybrid laying hen weighs about 2 kg and produces at least 250–260 eggs during the laying period (under completely optimal conditions, the potential may be up to 20% higher). She is fed ad libitum with a complete feed mixture, consuming 100–125 g daily with an energy content of approximately 12 MJ. This ration must provide about 17–20 g of protein, 4–5 g of calcium, and dozens of other standardized nutrients, including a full spectrum of vitamins and trace elements.

Main components of layer feed

In laying hens, two feed components form the basis of egg production (and, conversely, are often the most common source of problems): protein and calcium.

Protein

The amount of protein in the daily feed ration fundamentally affects both egg production and egg quality. A deficiency of protein (or its building blocks—amino acids) results in low egg production and may lead to cannibalism or feather pecking. Conversely, an excess of protein in the ration of breeding hens may cause reduced hatchability and low chick viability.

When formulating a ration from traditional feedstuffs, it is necessary to ensure sufficient protein sources—such as legumes or animal-origin feeds like cottage cheese, feed-grade blood, or other by-products from meat processing (meat trimmings, bone meal, cracklings).

Protein requirements change significantly depending on production intensity. At the beginning of the laying period, a protein content of up to 19% in the feed is recommended, whereas at the end only about 13% is required. Feed manufacturers take this into account and formulate their products accordingly. When preparing homemade rations, the keeper must also respond to the differing needs of the poultry.

Calcium

Calcium is a key mineral element in layer nutrition. A deficiency manifests as weak eggshells, shell damage, and eventually egg eating. When formulating daily rations at home from traditional raw materials or food leftovers, it is essential to add mineral supplements. The same applies to vitamin supplementation, although fresh feeds may contain sufficient natural vitamins.

What should laying hens be fed?

For optimal maximum performance, dry concentrated feed is most suitable. Given the capacity of the digestive system and digestive efficiency, a 2 kg laying hen can consume approximately 120–150 g of dry matter per day, which must cover her nutrient requirements—therefore, the form of the feed also matters.

The optimal form is a coarsely ground grain mixture. Very finely ground meals, commonly available on the market, are usually not well accepted by hens; dusty parts are best mixed into a moist feed blend. On the other hand, whole grains (e.g., wheat) represent increased energy demands for digestion. It is also advisable to supplement the ration with various sources of grit, sand, or small stones.

Pelleted feeds for hens have their advantages. The feed ration is uniform, and the birds consume everything provided. However, in hens at the end of the laying period, pelleted feed may cause undesirable fattening, health problems, and reduced performance. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the feed ration during this phase.

Feeding laying hens is truly the foundation of high-quality egg production. The principles are well known, and feed sources and supplements are readily available—ultimately, it depends on each keeper how effectively they use them for the benefit of both their poultry and themselves.