Biotin (Vitamin B7) is essential for healthy skin, feathers, and claws because it supports keratin production and the fatty acid synthesis that maintains skin barrier integrity. For laying hens, biotin is particularly important for foot pad health — deficiency causes the cracked, scabby foot pads that can develop into bumblefoot infections, one of the most common health problems in backyard flocks. Biotin also supports the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins through its role as a coenzyme in carboxylase reactions.
An important wrinkle in poultry nutrition: raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds biotin with extraordinary strength and makes it completely unavailable for absorption. While this is mostly relevant to mammals eating raw eggs, the presence of avidin in eggs reflects the biological importance of biotin regulation. Cooking denatures avidin and releases the bound biotin.
Biotin is produced by gut bacteria in the ceca, which provides some of the hen's needs, but dietary sources are also important. Wheat-based diets provide more bioavailable biotin than corn-based diets because wheat biotin is more accessible. Flocks on corn-heavy feeds with limited variety are at higher risk of marginal biotin status.
Laying hens need about 0.10 to 0.15 mg of biotin per kilogram of feed. Commercial feeds typically include supplemental biotin. Good natural sources include sunflower seeds, oats, and brewer's yeast. If your hens develop cracked foot pads or persistent foot problems, check the biotin content of the feed as a potential contributing factor alongside perch condition and litter moisture.
0.0% of daily nutrient intake
Biotin (Vitamin B7) makes up 0.0% of your chicken's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Cracked and scabby foot pads (leading to bumblefoot susceptibility), dermatitis around the beak and eyes, poor feathering with brittle broken feathers, reduced hatchability of fertile eggs, fatty liver and kidney syndrome (FLKS) in young chicks
Biotin is water-soluble and excess is excreted without issue. There is no documented toxicity from dietary biotin in poultry.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 0.1 | 0.15 | mg/kg feed | Supports keratin production for feathers and foot pad integrity. Wheat-based diets provide more bioavailable biotin than corn-based diets. |
Source: NRC Poultry 1994; Merck Veterinary Manual
