🐣 The Different Life Stages of Chicken Feed: What to Feed & When

Feeding your flock the right feed at the right time is one of the most important parts of raising healthy, happy chickens. Chickens have different nutritional needs at each stage of life—from fluffy little chicks to full-grown egg-laying hens—and feeding them properly ensures they grow strong, lay well, and stay in peak condition.

Let’s break down the different types of chicken feed and when to feed them.

🐥 1. Chick Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks)

Purpose: Rapid growth & development
Protein content: 18–22%

Newly hatched chicks need a high-protein, nutrient-dense feed to support fast growth. Chick starter is finely ground and easy to eat, with essential vitamins and minerals like:

• Protein for muscle development

• Amino acids for feather growth

• Vitamins A, D, and E

• Coccidiostats (optional) to help prevent coccidiosis in young chicks

📝 Note: You can choose between medicated and non-medicated chick starter. Medicated starter helps prevent coccidiosis, a common chick illness, especially in the first few weeks.

🐓 2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks)

Purpose: Steady growth without too much protein
Protein content: 14–17%

Once chicks hit about 6 weeks old, it’s time to transition to grower feed. This feed has slightly less protein than starter feed, helping to avoid health issues from growing too quickly (like leg deformities). It supports:

• Continued growth

• Feather development

• Preparing the bird’s body for laying or maturity

🐔 No added calcium yet — they’re not laying eggs, so they don’t need it!

🥚 3. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks or When Hens Start Laying)

Purpose: Support egg production
Protein content: 15–18%
Calcium: High for eggshell production

Once your hens begin laying (typically around 18–20 weeks), switch them to layer feed. This feed is specifically formulated to:

• Maintain energy levels

• Support reproductive health

• Provide enough calcium for strong eggshells

Feeding layer feed too early (before laying begins) can be harmful due to the high calcium content, which can cause kidney damage in younger birds.

🐔 4. Breeder or Show Feed (Optional)

Purpose: Premium nutrition for show birds or breeding stock
Protein content: Varies (16–20%)

If you're raising chickens for breeding or showing, special feeds with enhanced nutrition are available. These typically include:

• Extra vitamins and minerals

• Better feather quality support

• Fertility-enhancing nutrients

🐣 5. All Flock Feed (Mixed-Age Flocks)

Purpose: One feed for all birds (non-layers)
Protein content: 16–18%

If you have a mixed flock of roosters, hens, and younger birds, an All Flock or General Purpose Feed can keep things simple. These feeds are balanced for overall health, but do not contain extra calcium, so you’ll need to:

🧂 Provide free-choice oyster shell or calcium supplement on the side for laying hens.

🐓 6. Scratch, Treats & Supplements (Bonus!)

These aren't technically "feeds," but they play a role in your chickens' diet:

• Scratch grains: A mix of cracked corn and grains. Use as a treat, not a staple—low in protein and nutrients.

• Oyster shell: Extra calcium for strong eggshells

• Grit: Helps chickens digest food (especially if they’re eating whole grains or foraging)

• Kitchen scraps: Offer sparingly and avoid anything toxic (like avocado, raw potato peels, or chocolate)

🐔 Treats should make up no more than 10% of your flock's diet!

🐓 Quick Feed Timeline Summary:

🐔 Final Thoughts

Feeding your chickens according to their life stage helps them thrive at every age. Whether you’re raising fluffy chicks or caring for a flock of seasoned layers, choosing the right feed ensures they stay healthy, productive, and happy.

– The Chook Manor Team 🐓💛