"Age doesn't matter."
Well, when it comes to choosing chicken feed, it absolutely does!
Commercial chicken feeds fall into three main categories: starter, grower, and layer.
1. Starter Feed: For Baby Chicks
Best for: Newly hatched chicks to around 6–8 weeks old.
They may be tiny chicks, but they have big appetites!
Starter feed usually comes in easy-to-peck crumbles, perfectly sized for little beaks. Cute!
Choose a high-protein starter feed (18% to 20%) in a fine crumble or mash texture to support rapid growth and easy digestion.
You’ll also find medicated and non-medicated options, so choose based on your flock’s needs and appropriate poultry-care guidance.
2. Grower Feed: For Growing Pullets
Best for: For growing chicks aged 6–16 weeks (sometimes up to 18).
Once your chicks are no longer little fluff balls, their feeding needs change.
This is the time to check the product label carefully and make sure you're choosing feed intended for growing birds.
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Choose grower feed with 14–18% protein to support steady muscle and bone development.
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Avoid high-calcium layer feed, which can damage young chickens’ kidneys and impair skeletal growth.
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Look for transparent, balanced ingredients like quality grains and essential vitamins.
3. Layer Feed: For Egg-Laying Hens
Best for: Hens that have started laying eggs.
Switch to layer feed when your hens start laying, around 18–20 weeks.
We recommend looking for a complete feed with 16–18% protein and 3–4% calcium to fuel egg production and build strong shells.
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6 Things to Check Before You Buy the Right Feed
Now that you know the three feed categories, it's time to narrow down your options.
Before buying a bag, run through this quick checklist:
1. Check the age of your chickens
Are you feeding baby chicks, growing pullets, or laying hens?
This is your starting point. Don't choose a feed simply because it's popular or on sale.
2. Read the product label
Look beyond the brand name. Make sure to check:
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Intended bird type and age.
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Guaranteed nutritional analysis.
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Protein and calcium content.
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Medicated or non-medicated status.
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If you're unsure whether a feed is appropriate for your birds, ask the manufacturer or a poultry nutrition professional.
3. Consider your flock composition
Got hens, pullets, and roosters sharing a coop?
Hmmm, they may not share the same nutritional needs.
Don't assume one bag of layer feed is suitable for everybody.
4. Choose a texture your birds can eat comfortably
Consider crumbles for smaller birds and pellets for larger birds.
Just see to it that the feed is be accessible to the birds you're feeding.
5. Store feed properly
Store it in a suitable container and protect it from moisture and pests.
Nobody wants to discover that their expensive chicken feed has become an all-you-can-eat buffet for rodents. Yikes.
6. Transition between feeds gradually
Changing feed? Don't make the switch overnight.
We recommend mixing the old and new feeds over 5–7 days to help avoid digestive upset.
