Using high-quality organic layer chicken feed is vital to keep laying hens in good health. Chicken feed using only natural, non-GMO ingredients provides all the nutrients that laying chickens require. Feeding your layers with certified organic feed also helps ensure that chickens lay regularly and that their eggs are bursting with flavor.
The best organic chicken feed products contain ingredients that are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Also, organic feeds for chickens can’t contain genetically-modified products, antibiotics, drugs, or growth-enhancing hormones.
One of the benefits of buying commercial organic chicken feed is that you can be sure hens get the nutrients they need to lay eggs. Generally, the top organic hen feeds have between 16% and 18% protein and a minimum of 3% calcium. Other essential ingredients include vitamins and minerals.
It can be challenging to find the best organic feeds for your laying hens. This article is an unbiased review of the top eight organic chicken feeds. You will find the pros and cons of each product to find the best one for your feathered friends.
A look at the Top 8 Organic Layer Chicken Feed
1. Small Pet Select Chicken Layer Feed
This chicken layer feed only contains fresh, natural ingredients that are high in protein. All the ingredients are non-GMO without any cheap corn or soy fillers. This feed for your prized chickens contains organic peas, oats, pumpkin seeds, fish meal, kelp, and vitamins. The balanced feed gives your hens all the nutrients to lay high-quality eggs.
The manufacturers guarantee 100% satisfaction with your money back if your chickens don’t like the seed mix.
Pros:
- Affordable price and good value for money
- Non-GMO product with all-natural ingredients
- A blend of high protein seeds and grains, including omega-3, vitamins, and essential nutrients
- Calcium for laying hens
Cons:
- Smaller hens may have trouble eating the large pellets
2. Scratch and Peck Organic Layer Feed with Corn for Chickens
This USDA-certified organic hen feed is a whole grain mixture in its natural form. The seed and grain chicken feed contains 16% protein and 4% calcium—just perfect for laying hens. Many chicken owners prefer Scratch and Peck hen feeds because they undergo minimal processing and retain better nutrient absorption.
To help boost digestion, the soy-free, non-GMO feed also contains ground limestone and oyster shell.
Pros:
- Only contains whole grains without any corn or soy
- A large variety of seeds and grains
- Promotes excellent digestion and fermentation
- USDA certified organic
Cons:
- Higher cost than other organic feed for laying chickens
- Many users complain that the feed is mostly powder
3. Manna Pro Layer Organic Pellets for Chickens
This high-protein USDA-certified organic chicken feed is perfect for laying hens. The feed is in a pelleted form to help eliminate waste. It also contains essential nutrients that layers require. The feed contains 16% protein and at least 3.5% calcium as well as fiber, fat, and ash.
Pros:
- Non-GMO, organic ingredients
- Protein and calcium from natural plant-based ingredients
- Blend of essential vitamins and minerals for healthy laying chickens
- A popular brand due to its wide variety of specific animal feeds
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other organic brands
- The feed is fresh, so you have to store it properly to prevent mold and waste
4. Joenks Farm Naturals Organic Chicken Layer Feed
If you’re looking for a high-calcium organic hen layer feed, then this one is ideal. The USDA-certified organic feed has over 4.5% calcium and 16% protein—ideal for egg production. The soy-free chicken feed is a blend of rounded whole grains such as oat and corn. Its nutritional content comes from alfalfa, kelp, canola, and peas.
This high-quality organic chicken feed is suitable for hens at least ten weeks old
Pros:
- High-quality organic chicken feed
- Only USDA-certified ingredients and 100% non-GMO ingredients
- Contains whole grains with an enhanced omega-3 formula
- Suitable for hens ten weeks old through to laying
Cons:
- One of the most expensive organic chicken feeds
- No oyster shell content to boost digestion
5. Purina Organic Layer Crumbles Chicken Feed
Purina is a brand leader when it comes to organic chicken feed. This organic crumble feed for layers contains a rich blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The high protein and calcium content promotes good health and regular laying. Purina has developed a feed that ensures a steady supply of calcium to form high-quality eggs.
The crumble-type feed is suitable for all breeds of laying chickens.
Pros:
- High-quality product from a brand leader
- Oyster Strong System for enhanced egg production
- A rich blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
- Free from pesticides, fertilizers, and GMO ingredients
Cons:
- The small crumbles can mean some of the feed goes to waste
6. Prairie’s Choice Non-GMO Backyard Chicken Feed
This chicken feed formula from Prairie’s Choice is a popular choice for producing productive layers. All the ingredients are from non-GMO sources; however, there is no information about being certified as organic. The primary protein sources are soy and corn, which, according to the manufacturers, is easier for hens to digest.
The feed contains 16% protein, 2-3% calcium, and a range of vitamins and minerals.
Pros:
- A good range of minerals
- Sourced from non-GMO soy and corn
- Popular among chicken owners
Cons:
- Not organically-certified
- Contains soy and corn which many chicken owners try and avoid
- Can become powdery
7. Manna Pro Non-GMO Chicken Starter and Layer Feed for Chickens
If you’re looking for an all-in-one chicken feed for starter and layers, then this feed is an excellent choice. There are no artificial additives, and all ingredients are non-GMO, organically sourced. The feed comes in a mini-pellet form and is excellent for large and small poultry. The all-natural ingredients contain the right balance of protein, calcium, and fiber for healthy egg-laying hens.
The ingredients include corn, peas, fish meal, canola, as well as vitamins and minerals.
Pros:
- The right blend of organic ingredients
- Promotes good health in laying hens
- Only used non-GMO ingredients
- Manna Pro produces a wide variety of specialized chicken feeds
Cons:
- Not all birds like the feed
8. Kalmbach Feeds All-Natural Layer Pellet
This all-natural chicken feed for laying hens contains plenty of omega-3 and calcium for egg-layers. Kalmbach feed only contains natural ingredients, and there are no animal parts. However, there is no information about the ingredients being non-GMO or certified organic. The main components are corn and soybean, and there are added vitamins and minerals to support chicken health.
Pros:
- Cost-effective chicken feed for laying hens
- Wide variety of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients
- High protein and calcium content
Cons:
- Not an organic or non-GMO product
- Contains soy and corn
Things to Consider When Choosing What to Organic Layer Chicken Feed
If you’re looking to buy the best organic chicken feed for layers, it’s good to remember that the cost will be higher. However, you have the peace of mind knowing that no harmful pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics are in the food chain.
1. What nutrients do laying chickens need?
The most critical nutrients for hens that lay eggs are vitamin D and calcium. The best organic chicken feeds for layers should have at least 3.5% calcium. Healthy chickens also need the right amount of protein of between 16% and 18%.
2. What is layer feed?
Layer feed is a mixture of ingredients specially designed for poultry that lay eggs. Layer feed needs the right blend of protein, calcium, vitamin, and minerals. These nutrients promote health in egg-laying hens. They also ensure that eggshells are crisp and yolks are deep and orange.
3. How much will I need to feed chickens that lay eggs?
Hens start laying eggs around 18 weeks old. By that time, they will consume around 3 oz. (80 g) of good quality chicken feed daily. That means that an egg-laying chicken will get through about 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) of feed to produce a dozen eggs.
4. What should I feed my chickens to get the best-tasting eggs?
Protein is one of the essential ingredients to get eggs that taste great. Of course, each chicken owner will have their own secret recipes. But choosing high-quality, organic chicken feed means that hens are healthier and produce better quality eggs.
In addition to high-protein chicken feeds, you can get tastier eggs by giving hens the best environment to live in. This requires a well-kept coop, proper nesting boxes, and plenty of water.
5. What do I feed my hens to improve egg production?
Allowing chickens to roam free and feeding them high-quality feed that’s rich in protein and calcium will ensure plenty of eggs. You can also boost egg production by feeding tasty treats such as mealworms, freshly cut grass, watermelon, sunflower seeds, and Japanese beetles.
6. When should I start feeding my Hens Organic Layer Chicken Feed?
The time to switch from a grower’s feed to a layer’s feed is when the hens are about 16 weeks old. Chickens start laying eggs around 18 weeks old. By giving them the right nutrients a few weeks before they start laying, you’ll ensure that your hens produce good quality, delicious eggs with a bright orange yolk.
