Meta description: Feeding backyard chickens for laying, breeding and everyday health. A practical guide from Easy Pets, with fast dispatch across Australia.
Backyard hens are a joy to keep, and a good feeding routine is the heart of a healthy flock. Whether you're collecting eggs every morning, raising chicks or simply keeping a few hens for the family, the right feed and a few simple habits make a big difference.
Feed for laying and breeding
Laying and breeding hens need a complete diet. The Laucke Red Hen Layer (20kg) is a premium layer and breeder food for all classes of breeding and laying poultry. It's made as a blend of whole and rolled grains with micro pellets.
If you also keep pigeons, the Laucke Pigeon Race and Breed Micro Pellets (20kg) is a general purpose micro pellet food for growing, breeding and racing pigeons.
Add treats in moderation
Scratch and treats are a fun way to get your hens active, but they should be a small part of the diet. For a bit of variety, the Green Valley Black Sunflower (3.2kg) is a common stockfeed ingredient for poultry and aviary birds.
If you also keep pet birds
Hens aren't the only feathered friends on the property. If you keep pet birds too, the Trill Expert Cockatiel Mix (2kg) is a seed mix formulated for cockatiels, and the Whistler Cockatiel and Lovebird Hang Pod (210g, 8 pack) makes a good occasional treat.
Keep the flock comfortable
- Fresh water every day. Hens drink a lot, especially in warm weather.
- Clean feeders. Remove wet or spoiled feed.
- Check the flock often. Watch for changes in appetite, behaviour or egg production.
- Keep feed dry and sealed. Damp feed can spoil and attract pests.
If a hen seems unwell, separate her and speak to a vet with poultry experience.
Shop poultry feed with a real team behind you
Every order at Easy Pets is handled personally by our small Australian team. Browse our range of poultry feed and supplies at easypets.au, and if you need help choosing the right feed for your flock, we're here to help.