Manna Pro 16% Layer Crumbles with Probiotics for Laying Hens (8 lb)

Complete Laying Hen Feed with High Calcium, Probiotics, and Essential Amino Acids

Product Description

Manna Pro 16% Layer Crumbles is a complete, nutritionally balanced feed for laying hens from 16 weeks of age through the full laying period. Formulated with elevated calcium for strong eggshells, 16% protein for consistent egg production, and a blend of nine probiotic strains to support gut health and nutrient absorption. Essential amino acids lysine and methionine are included for feather quality and egg production support.

Benefits

• High Calcium for Strong Eggshells: Calcium is set at a higher level than general flock feeds specifically to support the daily calcium demands of eggshell formation.
• 16% Protein for Consistent Egg Production: Protein at 16% supports the sustained egg production and physical maintenance that laying hens require while actively producing throughout each laying cycle.
• Nine Probiotic Strains for Gut Health: A blend of Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Aspergillus, and Trichoderma strains supports gut microbiome health, digestion, and the efficient nutrient absorption that directly impacts laying performance.
• Essential Amino Acids Lysine and Methionine: Both are included to support feather quality, body condition, and egg production in hens that may not get sufficient levels from grain-based ingredients alone.
• Crumble Form for Easy Intake and Less Waste: The crumble size is easy for laying hens to peck and consume without the sifting waste that mash produces or the selective eating that some hens do with larger pellets.

Ingredients

Vitamin D3 supplement, processed grain by-products, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, propionic acid (a preservative), sodium bentonite, dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation solubles, folic acid, grain products, copper sulfate, salt, biotin, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation solubles, vitamin A supplement, manganous oxide, thiamine mononitrate, ferrous carbonate, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, plant protein products, pyridoxine hydrochloride, choline chloride, calcium pantothenate, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation solubles, zinc sulfate, niacin supplement, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, dl-methionine, riboflavin supplement, dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation solubles, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation solubles, ferrous sulfate, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, l-lysine, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), manganese sulfate, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, cobalt carbonate, menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite, vitamin D3 supplement, and dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation solubles.

Guaranteed Analysis

How to Use

Directions for Use

• Begin feeding at 16 weeks: Start hens on this feed at approximately 16 weeks of age, before the onset of laying; do not feed to pullets younger than 16 weeks as the high calcium level is not appropriate for pre-laying birds.
• Give free choice at all times: Laying hens regulate their own feed intake; give them continuous free access and let them consume as much as they want throughout each day of the laying period.
• Offer Grit when feeding scratch or coarse grains: When adding scratch grains or other coarse feeds alongside this crumble, make grit available separately so hens can grind those larger particles down in the gizzard.
• Offer Oyster Shell alongside: Even though this feed already contains elevated calcium, offer Oyster Shell free choice in a separate feeder so high-producing hens can self-regulate additional calcium intake on heavy laying days.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Not for roosters, males, or non-laying birds: The high calcium level in this feed is harmful to roosters, cockerels, and non-laying hens; excess calcium causes kidney damage in birds that are not actively producing eggs to use it.
• Not for ducks, geese, or turkeys: This feed is formulated for laying chickens only; ducks and geese have different niacin and calcium requirements, and turkeys require different protein levels across their life stages.
• Feed is perishable: Do not feed spoiled, moldy, insect-infested, or abnormal-looking feed; discard any bag that has been exposed to moisture, pests, or shows signs of deterioration.

Storage Information

• Store in a cool location: Keep the bag away from heat, direct sunlight, and humidity to maintain the viability of the live probiotic organisms and the nutritional quality of vitamins and minerals.
• Reseal after each use: Close the bag securely after every feeding; an open bag lets moisture and air in, which accelerates fat oxidation and reduces probiotic viability between uses.
• Keep away from rodents and insects: Store in a rodent-proof container or location; contaminated feed should never be fed to birds regardless of how recently it was purchased.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why does this feed have so much more calcium than the All Flock formula?

Ans: Laying hens use enormous amounts of calcium to form eggshells, a single eggshell contains around 2 grams of calcium. A hen producing an egg every 24 to 26 hours needs a feed that delivers enough calcium to meet that daily demand. The All Flock feed at 1.50-2.00% calcium is designed for mixed non-laying flocks. This Layer feed at 3.50-4.50% calcium is calibrated specifically for the daily demands of active egg production.

Q2: Can roosters or males eat this feed?

Ans: No. The high calcium level in this feed is harmful to roosters and other non-laying birds. Birds that aren't producing eggs don't use the extra calcium, it builds up and causes kidney damage over time.

Q3: When should I start feeding this to my pullets?

Ans: At around 16 weeks of age, just before the onset of laying. Don't switch earlier, as the high calcium can damage developing kidneys in young pullets whose systems aren't ready for it yet. From 16 weeks through the full laying period is the intended feeding window.

Q4: Do I still need to offer Oyster Shell if this feed already has calcium in it?

Ans: Yes. Even with elevated calcium in the feed, high-producing hens, particularly in peak laying, can benefit from additional calcium on heavy egg production days. Offering Oyster Shell free choice in a separate feeder lets each hen take what she needs on days when demand is higher than usual.

Q5: Why are there nine probiotic strains in a layer feed?

Ans: Different strains do different things. Bacillus strains help control harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus strains colonize the gut and support beneficial microbiome populations. Aspergillus and Trichoderma strains contribute enzyme activity that helps break down feed components for more efficient nutrient absorption. Better nutrient absorption means more of the protein, calcium, and amino acids in the feed actually reach the hen's system.

Q6: What is the difference between the crumble and pellet versions of this feed?

Ans: Both contain the same formula, guaranteed analysis, and probiotic blend. The difference is only in the physical form. Crumbles are smaller broken pieces that most hens pick up easily and tend to produce less waste than mash. Pellets are larger compressed cylinders that some larger breeds prefer.

Q7: Can this feed be used for ducks or geese?

Ans: No. This feed is formulated specifically for laying chickens. Ducks have higher niacin requirements than chickens and are more sensitive to excess calcium in their diet. Geese have similar considerations. For mixed flocks that include waterfowl, the All Flock formula is the better base feed, with Oyster Shell offered separately to the laying hens in a dedicated feeder that waterfowl cannot access.