Chicken (Layer) — Feed Requirements Guide
Laying hens are among the most feed-efficient livestock animals, converting approximately 4 lbs of feed into a dozen eggs. A standard layer at 5 lbs body weight consumes approximately 0.20-0.25 lbs of feed per day (roughly 5 ounces), with feed intake varying by breed, ambient temperature, and production level. Layer nutrition is unique among livestock in its emphasis on calcium, which constitutes approximately 40% of the eggshell by weight. A hen producing an egg daily deposits approximately 2 grams of calcium per shell, requiring 3.5-4.5% dietary calcium depending on age. Commercial layer diets are formulated primarily from corn and soybean meal, supplemented with limestone, dicalcium phosphate, vitamins, and trace minerals. Feed represents 65-70% of the total cost of egg production, making accurate feed calculations essential for profitability.
Chicken (Layer) Nutritional Requirements by Life Stage
The table below shows how dry matter intake, protein requirements, and feed costs change across the 3 life stages of chicken (layer) production. Life stage adjustments account for the dramatically different energy and protein demands of lactation, growth, gestation, and maintenance. Click any life stage for a dedicated page with detailed feeding recommendations and management tips.
| Life Stage | DMI Adj. | Daily DMI | Protein % | Daily Protein | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pullet (Growing) | 0.8x | 0.2 lbs | 19.2% | 0.0 lbs | $0.41 |
| Peak Production | 1.1x | 0.2 lbs | 17.6% | 0.0 lbs | $0.56 |
| Late Production | 0.95x | 0.2 lbs | 14.4% | 0.0 lbs | $0.49 |
*Monthly cost estimated using grass hay at $150/ton. Actual costs vary by feed type and region.
Recommended Feeds for Chicken (Layer)
The following feeds meet both the minimum crude protein and TDN requirements for chicken (layer) at maintenance level (16% protein, 70% TDN) when fed as the sole feed source. In practice, most feeding programs combine multiple feed ingredients to optimize cost and nutritional balance.
| Feed | Protein | TDN | As-Fed/Day | Cost/Ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Meal | 44% | 84% | 0.2 lbs | $450 |
| Cottonseed Meal | 41% | 75% | 0.2 lbs | $380 |
| Distillers Grains (Dried) | 27% | 86% | 0.2 lbs | $200 |
| Corn Gluten Feed | 21% | 80% | 0.2 lbs | $200 |
| Canola Meal | 36% | 74% | 0.2 lbs | $350 |
| Layer Pellets | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | $400 |
| Broiler Starter | 22% | 78% | 0.2 lbs | $450 |
Feeds Requiring Supplementation
These feeds meet either the protein or TDN requirement but not both, and would need to be combined with other feeds in a balanced ration. The table indicates which nutritional requirement is met and which needs supplementation.
| Feed | Protein | TDN | Protein OK? | TDN OK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa Hay | 18% | 58% | Yes | No |
| Corn Silage | 8% | 70% | No | Yes |
| Whole Corn | 9% | 88% | No | Yes |
| Cracked Corn | 9% | 88% | No | Yes |
| Oats | 12% | 70% | No | Yes |
| Barley | 13% | 84% | No | Yes |
| Beet Pulp | 9% | 74% | No | Yes |
| Wheat Bran | 16% | 67% | Yes | No |
| Molasses | 5% | 72% | No | Yes |
| Horse Sweet Feed | 12% | 72% | No | Yes |
Feeding Chicken (Layer) at Different Body Weights
Body weight directly determines dry matter intake. The table below shows how daily feed requirements change across a range of body weights for chicken (layer) at maintenance level. Use the calculator for custom weights, life stages, and herd sizes.
| Body Weight | Daily DMI | Daily Protein | Monthly Feed | Annual Feed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 lbs | 0.1 lbs | 0.0 lbs | 4 lbs | 0.02 tons |
| 4 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.0 lbs | 5 lbs | 0.03 tons |
| 5 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.0 lbs | 6 lbs | 0.04 tons |
| 6 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.0 lbs | 7 lbs | 0.04 tons |
| 8 lbs | 0.3 lbs | 0.1 lbs | 10 lbs | 0.06 tons |
Herd Size Feed Budgets for Chicken (Layer)
Planning feed purchases and storage requires estimating total feed needs for your herd over time. The table below shows monthly and annual feed requirements and costs for various herd sizes of chicken (layer) at maintenance level using grass hay at $150/ton.
| Head Count | Daily DMI Total | Monthly Feed | Annual Feed | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1.0 lbs | 0.02 tons | 0.18 tons | $31.11 |
| 10 | 2.0 lbs | 0.03 tons | 0.37 tons | $62.22 |
| 25 | 5.0 lbs | 0.08 tons | 0.91 tons | $155.54 |
| 50 | 10.0 lbs | 0.15 tons | 1.83 tons | $311.08 |
| 100 | 20.0 lbs | 0.30 tons | 3.65 tons | $622.16 |
| 200 | 40.0 lbs | 0.60 tons | 7.30 tons | $1,244.32 |
Other Animals
Browse feed requirement guides for other livestock species.