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The Right Nutrition at the Right Time for Laying Hens

Purina-poultry-education-nutrition-gold'N-Purinature-Laying-hens

A Stage‑by‑Stage Feeding Guide for Healthy Birds and Quality Eggs

When it comes to raising healthy laying hens, timing nutrition correctly is just as important as choosing the right feed. From hatch to lay, each growth phase has distinct nutritional requirements that directly influence flock health, egg production, and long-term performance.

This guide outlines layer feeding recommendations by age, helping backyard poultry keepers support optimal growth, strong eggshells, and consistent egg quality—backed by Purina® poultry nutrition expertise.

Table of contents

Hatch to Approximately 6 Weeks: Building a Strong Foundation

The first six weeks of a chick’s life are critical. Nutrition during this period sets the stage for lifelong performance, immune strength, and digestive health.

Feeding Recommendations:

Why It Matters:

Purina Gold’N Chick Start & Grow Plus contains FlockForce, a specialized blend designed to:

  • Support gut health and nutrient absorption
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Promote early growth and uniform development
  • Help reduce common early challenges like pasty butt

Strong starts lead to stronger layers later.

Approximately 6 to 16 Weeks: Supporting Growth and Development

As pullets grow, their nutritional focus shifts toward skeletal development and body growth, preparing them for egg production.

Feeding Recommendations:

  • Continue feeding Purina Gold’N Chick Start & Grow Plus – Fine Crumble (or AMP Purinature equivalent) free choice.
  • Fresh water should remain available at all times.
  • Treats such as scratch grains or kitchen scraps can be introduced after week 6, but:
    • Feed only what birds consume in 15 minutes once per day
    • Ensure treats make up no more than 10% of the total diet
  • If birds eat anything other than crumble or pellets, provide grit free choice in a separate feeder.

Why It Matters:

Controlling treat intake ensures pullets receive the balanced amino acids, energy, and minerals they need for healthy development—without diluting their diet.

16 Weeks and Older: Transitioning to Layer Nutrition

Once pullets approach laying age, it’s time to switch to a diet formulated specifically for egg production.

Feeding Recommendations:

Advanced Nutrition Benefits:

Purina Gold’N Layena Plus feeds are supported by scientific research demonstrating that the precise balance of ingredients and FlockForce helps deliver:

  • Improved digestion and nutrient absorption through postbiotic and prebiotic support
  • Better egg weight and size consistency
  • Natural golden egg yolk colour from pigmentation extracts
  • Stronger eggshells through organic trace minerals and vitamin D₃, which enhance calcium absorption
  • Improved barn comfort, as Quillaja extract helps manage manure odour

Additional Management Tips for Adult Laying Hens

  • Offer oyster shell free choice to backyard hens for supplemental calcium.
  • Provide 3–4 square feet per bird inside the coop.
  • Plan for one nesting box per 4–5 hens to reduce stress and promote clean eggs.

Final Takeaway: Nutrition Timing Drives Performance

Feeding the right ration at the right time is one of the most effective ways to support:

  • Healthy growth
  • Strong immune systems
  • Consistent egg production
  • High egg quality

With Purina poultry feeds formulated for each life stage, layer owners can feel confident they’re giving their birds the nutritional foundation they need—from hatch through peak lay.