Pump up your hens’ protein this winter. Here’s why it matters.
Protein is one of the most important nutrients in a laying hen’s diet. It supports the optimisation of key biological functions such as egg production, immunity, maintenance of bodyweight. Protein is also an essential building block for feather growth and aids in maintaining the overall health status of the bird.
Everything a hen eats — from feed to bugs and worms — contains protein made up of different types and amounts of amino acids. These amino acids are the building blocks for eggs, feathers, muscles and immune function. Getting the balance right is key. Research shows that laying hens require around 15% protein in their diet, but more importantly this protein needs to contain a balanced ratio of amino acids. The exact requirement will depend on the age, egg production, feed intake of the hens and also whether they are moulting or not.
Not all protein sources are equal
Layer feed is often made up of protein sources such as legumes, oil seed meal and animal by-products. And even grains like wheat, barley and sorghum do contain protein (around 8–14%), but they’re not enough on their own. While they make a great treat, a grain-only diet won’t meet a hen’s nutritional needs — especially when it comes to the right amino acid profile for strong egg production.
That’s why a complete, balanced and high quality layer feed is essential. Good feeds are carefully formulated using a mix of:
- grains and grain by-products
- protein meals (like legumes or oilseed meals)
- fats and oils
- vitamins and minerals
- enzymes.
This diverse range of ingredients should be formulated to supply all the important nutrients for consistent egg production, strong egg quality and bird health, plus it will keep your hens in the best possible condition.
Why protein matters more in winter
As the weather cools, your hens’ nutritional needs also shift.
Autumn and winter bring on the yearly moult — a natural process where hens shed old feathers, pause or reduce laying and grow a fresh coat. Regrowing feathers requires a lot of protein and amino acids because feathers are between 80% and 85% protein. And at the same time, hens are using more energy just to stay warm.
Increasing dietary protein during this period helps hens maintain bodyweight through the moult and in winter. By not losing weight during the moult and in winter, hens are better prepared to produce more eggs in spring.
Supporting hens through the moult
If you are buying an end of lay hen from a commercial layer farmer and she is scruffy looking with lots of missing feathers and a lower weight, then a higher protein diet can make a big difference.
Aim for a feed with 16.5% protein or higher to help:
- rebuild feathers
- improve condition
- support recovery and ongoing health.
Make feed changes gradual
Whether you are getting point of lay pullets or end of lay hens from a commercial layer farmer, it is ideal to ask for a kilo of the feed that the pullet or hen is already eating. This will allow you to blend this current feed with the new feed that you are going to be feeding her over a few days and gradually transition the hens onto your new feed.