As a beginner in raising chickens, one of the most important aspects of caring for your flock is feeding your chickens. Chickens have different nutritional requirements at various stages of their lives, and it's essential to understand what they need to stay healthy.
Understanding the Basics
Chickens require a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. What you're feeding your chickens is as important as how often. The ideal feed for chickens should be high in protein (16-18%) for laying hens and higher (20-24%) for meat birds. This may seem like a lot to consider but don't worry – with the right information, you'll be well on your way to providing the best possible care for your chickens.
Feeding Your Chickens: Different Age Groups
Chicks (0-6 weeks)
Starter feeds are formulated specifically for chicks and provide essential nutrients for growth and development. Feed should be crumbled, ground, or mashed to prevent choking hazards. As they grow, you can gradually introduce growing feed or a mix of starter and layer feed.
Purina Start and Grow | Non-Medicated Chick Feed Crumbles | Nutritionally Complete - 25 Pound (25 lb.) Bag
Prebiotics and Probiotics - Supports immune and digestive health
A Chick Strong Feed - Complete and balanced recipe with the optimal combination of the 38 required nutrients chicks need to grow at a proper pace
Essential amino acids - The feed contains 18% protein and has been enhanced lysine and methionine to support muscle and skeletal development
Vitamins A, B, D, E and K - Help chicks grow into healthy adult birds
Added marigold extract - For brightly colored beaks and bright plumage
View on AmazonPullets (6-18 weeks)
Growing feeds are designed for young hens and contain a balance of protein, energy, and other nutrients. This stage is critical in determining the overall health and productivity of your flock. Be sure you're feeding your chickens adequate nutrition during this period to set them up for success.
Laying Hens (18+ weeks)
Layer feeds are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult hens producing eggs. Calcium supplements may be necessary to prevent eggshell thinning. As a general rule, it's best to stick with a high-quality layer feed that contains around 16% protein and added calcium.
Feeding Different Types of Chickens
Egg-Layers
Laying hens require a diet rich in calcium and protein to produce healthy eggs. A 16% protein layer feed with added calcium is recommended. This will help ensure that your eggs are strong, thick-shelled, and delicious.
Purina Animal Nutrition Purina Layena Pellets 50lb
Purina
Added Marigold Extract
Balanced and Complete Formula
Calcium Maganese and Trace Minerals
Essential Amino Acids
View on AmazonMeat Birds (Broilers, Roasters)
Meat birds require a higher-protein diet (20-24%) for optimal growth. Feed should be high in energy and contain essential nutrients for muscle development. This is critical in determining the overall quality of your meat products.
Purina | Game Bird Maintenance Crumble Feed | 50 Pound (50 LB) Bag
Made from the House of dogswell, llc
Quality ingredients used
Suitable to be used for pets
View on AmazonCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Inadequate Feeding
Not providing enough feed or offering low-quality food can lead to poor health, reduced egg production, and slow growth. Make sure to provide a balanced diet that meets your flock's nutritional needs.
Harris Farms Free Range Hanging Poultry Feeder | Twist Lock Base | 10 Pound
HANGING POULTRY FEEDER - Harris Farms 10 Pound Plastic Hanging Feeder is easy to fill and clean and features a visible feed level, a heavy duty carry handle, and simple twist-lock assembly
FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE FLOCKS - Harris Farms 10 Pound Top-Fill Chicken Feeder Kit features a feed capacity that feeds up to 25 birds
EASY FILL - Designed for fast filling with an open top makes refilling feed simple and easy; Automatic Chicken Feeder is molded from long-life BPA-free plastic for excellent durability
VISIBLE FEED LEVEL - Translucent plastic material allows you to see the feed level easily; Innovative feed ring prevents chickens from scratching out feed
EASY CLEAN - Feed Dispenser features a simple twist-lock assembly allows you to easily twist off each component for cleaning with soap and water; The perfect addition to your chicken coop supplies and accessories
View on AmazonSudden Changes
Making sudden changes to your flock's diet can cause digestive problems and other health issues. Gradually introduce new feeds or supplements to prevent upset.
Tips for Successful Feeding
Provide Clean Water at All Times
Ensure access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration and maintain overall health. Perhaps more important than feeding your chickens is watering them.
Little Giant® Plastic Poultry Drinker | Heavy Duty Plastic Gravity Fed Water Container Jar | Plastic Chicken Waterer | 3 Gallon
GRAVITY FED DESIGN - This water container provides water flow at a constant rate using its complete gravity-fed design with a 3-gallon capacity.
HIGHLY DURABLE - This water tank is made of heavy-duty polystyrene that is designed to withstand heat, cold, and cracks.
EASY ASSEMBLY - The water dish base can be easily assembled and disassembled with the container using its simple screw on design.
TRANSPARENT JAR - The water jar is molded from durable transparent polyethylene so the water level is always visible.
RED DESIGN - The base features a bright red color that attracts birds.
View on AmazonFeeding Your Chickens Treats in Moderation
Limit treats to 10-20% of your flock's daily diet to avoid overfeeding and maintain a balanced nutrition.
I LOVE WORMS Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae (5lb), 100% Natural Non-GMO, Treat for Chickens, More Calcium Chicken Feed Than Mealworms
Black Soldier Fly Larvae is rich in calcium, it’s contain at least 85x more calcium than dried mealworms and with over 41% protein, this high protein treats allows your chickens to eat healthier, lay bigger eggs and produce more, the best chicken treats for laying hens
Our Black Soldier Fly Larvae can feed your chickens, and many other small animals such as wild birds, bluebirds, indoor fish, turtles, hamsters, ducks, woodpeckers, hedgehogs. Worms for your girls
A great Immune System Booster Snack choice for small animals with plenty of nutrition and more calcium
The BSFL is fed through human food waste, free of additives, preservatives and certified by professional veterinarians, so it is absolutely safe and reliable and suitable for all natural animals. We also contribute to a more beautiful planet
We offer you a shelf life of 24 months and recommend that you store our BSFL in a dry place away from moisture after using it. If you have any questions please contract us as soon
View on AmazonBy following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to providing the best possible care for your chickens. Remember to always research specific needs for your breed or age group and consult with experts if you have any questions or concerns. Happy chicken keeping!