Let’s Talk Chicken Feed: Types, Nutrition, and Feeding Advice
Catering to Your Flock's Needs
You’ve picked your chickens. You built the coop (maybe with a few choice words and a slightly crooked door). Now you’re staring at the feed aisle wondering what they actually need. From day-old chicks to full-grown layers, their nutritional needs change as they grow. It’s not complicated, but timing matters if you want a healthy flock and a steady supply of eggs.
Start with Chick Starter Feed
Chicks need a high-protein feed from day one. Look for a starter feed with 20 to 24 percent protein. This gives them everything they need to grow strong bones, develop healthy feathers, and build up their immune system.
You’ll also need to decide between medicated and non-medicated feed. Medicated starter feed helps prevent coccidiosis, which is a common illness in young chicks. If your chicks are raised on the ground or will be mixed with an older flock, medicated is often a safer choice.
Keep them on starter feed for the first six weeks.
Transitioning to Grower Feed
Once chicks hit six weeks old, they’re growing fast and don’t need quite as much protein. That’s when you switch to grower feed with about 16 to 18 percent protein and lower calcium levels. This supports steady growth and helps prevent problems as their bones and organs continue to develop. If they’re starting to forage or eat treats, add grit so they can break down what they eat.
Plan to keep them on grower feed until they’re 18 to 20 weeks old or until they lay their first egg.
Layer Feed for Egg Production
Once your hens start laying, their diet needs to support egg production. Layer feed contains 15 to 18 percent protein and added calcium to help form strong eggshells.
Don’t start layer feed too early. Young birds that aren’t laying yet don’t need the extra calcium, and too much can cause health problems. If you have a mixed flock of different ages, you can use an all-flock or grower feed and offer oyster shell on the side for the layers.
What About Treats and Extras?
Scratch grains, kitchen scraps, and treats are fine in small amounts. But they don’t provide balanced nutrition and can throw off their feed intake if they get too much.
Here’s a good rule of thumb:
Scratch grains: give occasionally as a treat, not a meal
Grit: offer if they’re not on a commercial crumble or pellet diet
Oyster shell: set out separately for hens that are laying
Timing is Everything
To recap:
0–6 weeks: Starter Feed
6–20 weeks: Grower Feed
20+ weeks or first egg: Layer Feed
Trust the timeline. Your chickens’ health (and your egg basket) depend on it. Feeding chickens isn’t complicated, but it is important. The right nutrition at the right time helps your flock grow, thrive, and produce the best eggs on the block.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you’re not sure what to feed or when to switch, just ask. We carry starter, grower, layer feed, scratch grains, grit, oyster shell, and all the essentials for your backyard flock. More importantly, we’ve helped plenty of first-timers and seasoned chicken folks figure it out.
Swing by the store or give us a call. We’re happy to help you keep your flock happy, healthy, and laying strong.
