Merriam Feed + Seed’s Chicken Feed Guide
What to Feed Your Chickens at Every Life Stage
Chickens need different nutrients at different stages of their lives, so it's important to choose the right chicken feed for each age group. Here's a guide to the different types of chicken feed and when to feed them:
Chick feed: Chicks need a lot of protein to grow, so chick feed is nutrient-dense and high in protein. Feed chick feed to chicks from hatch until they are about six weeks old.
Starter pullet feed: Also known as grower feed, starter pullet feed is a transition food for young hens and roosters. It has less protein and more calcium than chick feed. Feed starter pullet feed to chicks from six weeks old until they are about twenty weeks old or start laying eggs, whichever comes first.
Pullet feed: Pullet feed is specially formulated for layer hens. It is high in calcium to help hens produce strong eggshells. Feed pullet feed to hens from twenty weeks old until they are about two years old.
Cockerel feed: Roosters don't need as much calcium as hens, so cockerel feed is lower in calcium and higher in protein than pullet feed. Feed cockerel feed to roosters from twenty weeks old until maturity.
In addition to regular chicken feed, it's also important to provide your chickens with grit. Grit is made from ground-up stones, shells, and sand and helps chickens digest their food. Start providing your chickens with grit once they are about eight weeks old.
You can find chicken feed and grit at most farm and feed stores. When choosing chicken feed, be sure to select a feed that is specifically formulated for the age group of your chickens.
Here are some additional tips for feeding your chickens:
Feed your chickens once or twice a day, depending on their age and activity level.
Make sure your chickens always have fresh water available.
Provide your chickens with a variety of food scraps, such as fruits, vegetables, and cooked meats.
Avoid feeding your chickens table scraps that are high in fat, sugar, or salt.
By following these tips, you can help your chickens stay healthy and productive.
