Merriam Feed + Seed’s Chicken Feed Guide
Feeding chickens isn’t just about tossing corn and calling it good.
Chickens have different nutritional needs at every stage of life, and choosing the right feed can mean the difference between thriving hens and moody birds who stop laying eggs just to prove a point.
Here’s a quick guide to help you keep your flock well-fed and feeling fabulous.
🐣 Chick Feed (0–6 Weeks)
High in protein. High in fluff potential. Chicks need extra protein to grow strong and healthy, so starter feeds are packed with just that. Feed this from hatch until they’re about six weeks old and starting to sass each other over the food dish.
🐥 Starter or Grower Feed (6–20 Weeks)
The awkward teen phase. Still adorable, just hungrier. Also called pullet grower feed, this has slightly less protein and a bit more calcium. It's the perfect transition as your chicks become young hens (or roos). Feed until they start laying or hit 20 weeks or whichever comes first.
🐔 Layer Feed (20 Weeks–2 Years)
Time to start earning their keep. Layer feed is higher in calcium to support strong eggshells and happy hens. Once your ladies start laying, this is their daily go-to. Bonus tip: crushed oyster shell on the side never hurts.
Chickens don’t have teeth (fun fact), so they need grit to help break down their food. Grit is made from crushed rock or shells and helps with digestion—especially once they’re eating anything beyond crumbles. Start offering grit around 8 weeks old.
✔ Feed once or twice a day depending on their age and how active they are.
✔ Always, always provide fresh water. Chickens are thirsty little creatures.
✔ Give safe kitchen scraps like fruits, veggies, and cooked grains in moderation.
✔ Skip the salty, sugary, or fatty leftovers—no chicken wants a junk food hangover.
At Merriam Feed + Seed, we stock all the chicken feed varieties you need for every life stage—from fluffy chick to proud hen to loudmouth rooster. Stop by and let us help you build your flock’s weekly grocery list. Feeding chickens? We make it easy. (And fun. And maybe a little bit addicting.)
