My pets eat so much better than I do.  As I’m writing this, my lunch consists of a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter and some string cheese. Don’t judge.

If you’re raising egg layers like I am and you really care about feeding them organically, I highly recommend the following brands:

Scratch and Peck Feeds Naturally Free Organic Layer is a Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Organic product. They use a blend of organic whole grains grown in the Pacific Northwest. Kind of a long drive for those of us in the Midwest, and there are NO retailers in Michigan of course.

Their Layer Feeds are designed to be the healthiest and most natural product available for your laying hens. While all of their products are soy free, their Naturally Free poultry feed line is both soy free and corn free.

Naturally Free Organic Layer contains a high amount of calcium and slightly lower protein levels than their Naturally Free Organic Grower. The calcium is used by hens to produce strong eggshells and should only be fed to birds that are laying or will lay in the near future. The grains are left naturally whole in this feed rather than highly processed into pellets.

Best for small flocks, this will get pricey fast: Organic, Naturally Free Layer Chicken Feed, 25lbs, Non-GMO Project Verified

Kalmbach Feeds Organic Layer Feed is exceptional. Headquartered in Ohio (I know most Michiganders don’t like that, but trust me you’ll get over it), their mission is to provide the best animal feed products, quality service and value for their customers and partners- and it shows. They have a strong commitment to transparency as well as quality of ingredients . Derived from the same formula as their crumbles, this organic feed is fortified with essential amino acids and top calcium levels to produce strong shells and wholesome, tasty eggs high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D. It contains a proprietary blend of prebiotics, probiotics and enzymes to support digestive and immune health.

Moreover, their feed contains their OmEgga® supplement, which is an extrusion of flax seed with high uptake of omega 3. It’s an easy way to make sure your hens are getting the benefits of flax in the diet (lower risk of ovarian cancer, for instance), while upping the nutrition of their eggs.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (Min.)	17.00%
Lysine (Min.)	0.90%
Methionine (Min.)	0.40%
Crude Fat (Min.)	4.00%
Crude Fiber (Max.)	6.00%
Calcium (Ca) (Min.)	3.60%
Calcium (Ca) (Max.)	4.60%
Phosphorus (P) (Min.)	0.62%
Salt (NaCl) (Min.)	0.20%
Salt (NaCl) (Max.)	0.70%

If your feed store doesn’t carry it, get it here: Kalmbach Feeds Organic Layer Feed with Omegga, 40 lb

Hiland Naturals of Sugarcreek Ohio makes a great non-GMO chicken feed, and though I’ve never found it in a feed store, you can get it online through Amazon (with shipping included in their price!) or through their website. Their 17% layer feed is a Non-GMO Project Verified, Animal Welfare Approved product intended for layers 16 weeks and older. The slightly lower protein levels and high calcium levels maintain health and provide the birds with the ability to produce strong eggshells. The feed is a blend of non-GMO grains, all natural vitamin-mineral supplement designed specifically for poultry, and direct-fed microbials to keep your birds healthy while promoting production. Their layer feed is Non-GMO Project Verified, Animal Welfare Approved, tested free of herbicides, pesticides, and mycotoxins aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol, and preservative free.

Supplementing your feed with sea kelp is a smart way ensure your chickens are getting all the right nutrients to keep them in their prime. By adding sea kelp to your flock’s diet, you have the opportunity to improve their nutrition, boost their immune response and promote egg laying. Some also agree that feeding the flock sea kelp also helps to extend the life of the flock .

Vitamins include A, B1, B6, (NIACIN), B9 (Folate), B12, D, E, and K.

Kelp has very high levels of vitamin K. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. Kelp also contains high levels of folate, iron, iodine and calcium. The amount of calcium in one serving of sea kelp is ten times the amount found in a glass of milk. As you already know, laying hens require both calcium and Vitamin D to make strong eggshells.

Kelp contains moderate levels of vitamin A, E, C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid.

It also includes important trace minerals–phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium as well as lower levels of leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and histidine.

Potential Dietary Benefits

• Stronger eggshells
• Immune system support
• Strong bones and maintenance of bone health
• Bright deep golden color egg yolks
• Improved plumage- gloss and decrease in feather breakage

Get a small bag here:  Treats for Chickens Certified Organic Cluck’n Sea Kelp, 2-Pound, Vitamin Supplement

Or the large bucket: Treats for Chickens Certified Organic Sea Kelp 6 lb bucket