How to Read a Chicken Feed Bag

Most people grab a bag of layer pellets at the feed store and don’t look at anything past the brand name. The actual information is on the back. It’s called the Guaranteed Analysis. Here’s what it means.

The four numbers that matter

Crude Protein (minimum %) The most important number for a laying flock. Standard layer feed runs 15 to 16%. Higher-protein options run 18 to 20%. For active laying hens in a healthy adult flock, 16% is usually sufficient. During molt or for younger pullets still developing, higher protein makes a real difference.

If your protein percentage is below 14%, that’s low and worth switching.

Crude Fat (minimum %) Usually 2 to 4% in layer feeds. Not a number most backyard keepers need to worry about unless you’re in very cold conditions.

Crude Fiber (maximum %) Usually 5 to 8%. Not a number to optimize for; just check that it’s in a reasonable range.

Calcium (minimum and maximum %) Standard layer feed has around 3.5 to 4.5% calcium. All-flock feed is much lower, usually around 0.9 to 1.2%.

• Laying hens only: you want the higher end
• Mixed flock with roosters or younger birds: you want the lower end, with oyster shell offered separately

Too much calcium for birds who aren’t laying causes kidney damage over time. That’s the main reason roosters and young birds shouldn’t be on layer feed long-term. Our layer vs all-flock guide goes deeper on which to pick.

What the label won’t tell you

The ingredient list is listed by weight, largest first. What you’re looking for is whether there’s a diverse mix vs. mostly corn and filler. The label also won’t tell you whether the feed is right for your specific flock — age mix, ranging situation, climate, seasonal needs.

A few things worth comparing at the store

• Protein %: 15% or 18%? Matters in molt season or with young birds
• Calcium %: Layer or all-flock? Labeled clearly?
• Medicated or unmedicated: Medicated is for chicks only
• Pellet, crumble, or mash: Most adult hens do best on pellets — less waste, harder to sort through. The scratch and treats guide covers why waste math matters.

If you want to go deeper on feed selection, flock nutrition, and how to make feed decisions for different setups and seasons, Chicken Keeping Secrets is the most practical guide I’ve found.

Chicken Keeping Secrets — digital guide →

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Understanding the bag is step one. Knowing what your specific flock actually needs — given their ages, your setup, your climate, your egg goals — is the next question. The quiz figures that out in three minutes.

Take the free feed quiz →