Top 7 Chicken Feeds for Laying Hens

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Top 7 Best Chicken Feeds for Healthy, Happy Hens (UK Guide)

 

Keeping your chickens healthy starts with what you put in the feeder. Whether you’re raising laying hens, backyard chickens, or free-range birds, the right chicken feed makes a huge difference to egg quality, feather condition, and overall wellbeing.

After researching UK best-sellers, owner reviews, and nutritional profiles, here are the top 7 chicken feeds in the UK that good chicken keepers swear by.

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1️⃣ Allen & Page Layers Pellets – Best All-Round Feed

Best for: Daily feeding & consistent egg production

Allen & Page is one of the most trusted names in poultry nutrition. Their Layers Pellets are nutritionally balanced and designed to support strong shells, healthy feathers, and steady laying.

Why chicken keepers love it:

  • High-quality protein
  • Includes vitamins & minerals
  • Reduces selective feeding
  • Suitable for free-range & backyard hens

👉 Check price on Amazon UK

 

2️⃣ Dodson & Horrell Layers Pellets – Premium Quality Choice

Best for: Maximum nutrition & shell strength

This is a premium feed used by serious poultry keepers. It’s formulated to support digestion and egg quality, especially during heavy laying periods.

Key benefits:

  • Excellent calcium levels
  • Supports gut health
  • High palatability (hens actually eat it)

👉 View on Amazon UK

 

3️⃣ Garvo Alfamix – Best Mixed Feed Option

Best for: Variety & natural feeding behaviour

If your chickens enjoy variety, Garvo Alfamix offers a balanced blend of grains, seeds, and pellets that mimics natural foraging.

Why it stands out:

  • Encourages natural pecking
  • High-energy mix
  • Great for free-range birds

👉 Check availability on Amazon UK

 

4️⃣ Marriage’s Layers Pellets – Best Value for Money

Best for: Budget-conscious chicken keepers

Marriage’s delivers reliable nutrition without the premium price tag. Ideal for larger flocks or anyone feeding chickens daily.

What we like:

  • Affordable bulk bags
  • Good egg production support
  • Trusted UK miller

👉 See current Amazon UK price

 

5️⃣ Smallholder Range Layers Pellets – Best for Small Flocks

Best for: Backyard & hobby chicken keepers

Designed with smallholders in mind, this feed focuses on balanced nutrition without unnecessary fillers.

Highlights:

  • Great for mixed breeds
  • Helps maintain feather condition
  • Trusted by small-scale keepers

👉 Find it on Amazon UK

 

6️⃣ Heygates Layers Pellets – Best for Consistent Egg Laying

Best for: Reliable egg output year-round

Heygates has a long-standing reputation in UK farming. This feed is designed to keep hens laying consistently while maintaining health.

Why it’s popular:

  • Stable nutritional profile
  • Strong shell support
  • Trusted agricultural brand

👉 Check on Amazon UK

 

7️⃣ Organic Chicken Feed (Various Brands) – Best Natural Option

Best for: Organic & eco-conscious keepers

If you prefer organic feeding, several UK brands offer certified organic layers feed free from GM ingredients and artificial additives.

Ideal if you want:

  • Natural ingredients
  • No synthetic additives
  • Eco-friendly farming approach

👉 Browse organic chicken feed on Amazon UK

What Chicken Feed Do UK Chicken Keepers Recommend Most?

🥚 What Chicken Feed Should You Choose?

GoalBest Choice
Daily feedingAllen & Page
Premium nutritionDodson & Horrell
Budget-friendlyMarriage’s
Small flocksSmallholder Range
Natural feedingGarvo Alfamix
OrganicCertified organic feeds

Our Final Thoughts

Choosing the right chicken feed isn’t just about eggs — it’s about healthy birds, strong feathers, and stress-free keeping. We always recommend watching how your hens respond and adjusting feed types seasonally.

👉 Tip: Combine quality pellets with grit, clean water, and occasional treats for best results

pawfect28
Author: pawfect28

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