Protein Power: Why Your Hens Need the Right Nutrition Year-Round

Protein is one of the most important nutrients for hens and other poultry. It plays a vital role in egg production, immunity, body weight maintenance, feather growth, and general body functions.

The proteins hens consume—whether from bugs, worms, insects, or feed—are made up of amino acids, which act as the building blocks for eggs, muscles, feathers, immune response, and everyday bodily processes. Scientific research shows that a laying hen typically requires between 15% and 19% crude protein, depending on her age, laying stage, feed intake, and whether she is moulting. 

Why Grain Alone Isn’t Enough

While grains like wheat, barley, and sorghum contain 8–14% protein, they lack the full range of amino acids hens need for peak egg production and overall health. That’s why grain should be seen as a treat, not a complete diet.

To meet a hen’s full nutritional requirements, a quality layer feed needs to be carefully formulated with:

• A blend of grains and grain by-products
• Protein meals (such as legumes and oilseed meal)
• Fats and oils
• Vitamins, minerals, and enzymes

This combination ensures hens receive the right balance of nutrients for egg production, egg quality, and overall health.

Seasonal Protein Needs – Autumn & Winter

As we head into the cooler months, higher protein feeds become even more important. Autumn and winter are prime moulting seasons—when hens naturally lose feathers, slow or stop laying, and grow new feathers.

Feathers are made up of 80–85% protein, so regrowing them requires a big nutritional investment. Providing extra dietary protein during this time helps hens:

• Maintain their body weight through winter
• Grow healthy new feathers
• Recover faster from the moult
• Return to laying more quickly in spring

For hens coming out of a commercial laying flock (often called “end-of-lay” hens) that may look scruffy with missing feathers, a higher protein feed—16.5% or more—can make a huge difference to recovery and long-term health.

Introducing Barastoc Top Layer

One of the best ways to meet your hens’ protein needs is with a complete, balanced feed like Barastoc Top Layer.

Barastoc Top Layer is formulated by poultry nutrition experts to give your hens everything they need for:

• Consistent egg production
• Excellent shell quality
• Healthy feathers and plumage
• Strong immune function

With 16.5% protein, it’s ideal for supporting hens during moult, keeping them in top condition through winter, and helping them bounce back for a productive spring laying season. Unlike grain or homemade mixes, Barastoc Top Layer delivers the precise amino acid profile hens need for both performance and wellbeing—so you can be confident you’re giving them the best.

Transitioning to a New Feed

Whether you’re getting young point-of-lay pullets or adopting end-of-lay hens from a commercial farm, it’s important to transition them gently onto any new feed.

The easiest way to do this is to ask for about a kilo of the feed they’ve been eating, then mix it with Barastoc Top Layer over a few days:

1. Day 1–2: 75% old feed, 25% Barastoc Top Layer
2. Day 3–4: 50% old feed, 50% Barastoc Top Layer
3. Day 5–6: 25% old feed, 75% Barastoc Top Layer
4. Day 7: 100% Barastoc Top Layer

This gradual approach reduces stress and helps hens adjust to the taste and texture of their new feed.

The Bottom Line

Protein isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a non-negotiable part of a healthy hen’s diet. By feeding a complete, balanced product like Barastoc Top Layer, you’re supporting:

• Better feather regrowth during moult
• Stronger immune systems
• Consistent, high-quality eggs
• Overall hen health and vitality

As the weather cools and moulting begins, now is the perfect time to give your flock the extra protein they need to stay healthy, happy, and productive.

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Combined Rural Traders Pty Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.