If your hens have slowed down on eggs, the feed bag is usually the first place to look before anything else. Egg production is directly tied to protein, calcium, and calorie intake — get those dialed in and most laying slumps resolve on their own.
Protein: Aim for 16–18%
Laying hens need more protein than chicks realize — producing an egg every day or two is metabolically expensive. A dedicated layer feed formulated in the 16–18% protein range gives hens what they need without overloading young pullets that aren't laying yet.
🐤 Shop Producer's Pride 16% Layer Pellets, 50 lb
🐤 Shop Purina Layena Crumbles, 50 lb
Pellets vs. crumbles is mostly personal preference — pellets waste less, crumbles are easier for smaller breeds to eat quickly.
Calcium: Don't Skip the Oyster Shell
Eggshells are almost pure calcium carbonate, and a hen's body will pull calcium from her own bones to make shells if her diet falls short — which leads to thin shells, soft shells, or egg-laying stopping altogether as a self-protective response. A free-choice oyster shell supplement lets hens take exactly as much as they need:
🐤 Shop Manna Pro Oyster Shell, 50 lb
The Protein Boost That Actually Moves the Needle
Beyond base feed, a concentrated protein supplement can push production higher during molting season or winter, when hens need extra reserves. We've had great results recommending Joy Protyn to our flock — it's formulated specifically to support egg output and feather regrowth without the mess of mixing your own protein treats.
What to Skip
Scratch grains, table scraps, and treats are fun, but they dilute the nutritional density of a balanced feed. Keep treats under 10% of daily intake, and never let scratch become a meal replacement — it's corn and grain with almost none of the protein or calcium hens need to keep laying.
Other Factors If Feed Isn't the Issue
If feed is dialed in and production is still low, check daylight hours (hens need 14+ hours of light to lay consistently), water access, stress from predators or overcrowding, and age — production naturally declines after a hen's second or third year.
Want the complete nutrition breakdown by life stage, plus troubleshooting for every laying problem? Our Complete Backyard Flock Handbook covers feed programs from chick to senior hen.
Affiliate disclosure: The Lovely Hen may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through the links above, at no extra cost to you. This post is for general information and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice.
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