What to Feed Chickens: Complete Nutrition Guide from Chick to Layer

The sight of chickens racing across the yard at feeding time, their enthusiastic clucking rising to a crescendo as they jostle for position at the feeder, represents one of the most satisfying moments in chicken keeping. But behind this simple daily ritual lies a complex science of avian nutrition that directly impacts everything from egg production to feather quality, disease resistance to longevity. Modern chicken feed might look like simple pellets or crumbles, but it represents decades of nutritional research optimized for different life stages and purposes. Whether you're overwhelmed by feed store options, curious about supplementing with kitchen scraps, or wondering why your hens' egg production dropped despite consistent feeding, understanding chicken nutrition empowers you to make informed decisions that keep your flock healthy and productive while managing feed costs effectively.

Understanding Chicken Nutrition: The Basics Every Keeper Needs

Chickens, despite their reputation as indiscriminate eaters, have specific nutritional requirements that vary dramatically throughout their lives. A day-old chick needs different nutrition than a laying hen, just as a growing meat bird requires different feed than a molting senior hen. Understanding these needs prevents both deficiencies and expensive overfeeding.

Protein serves as the foundation of chicken nutrition, essential for growth, feather production, and egg formation. Chicks require 20-24% protein for proper development, layers need 16-18% for sustained production, and molting birds benefit from 18-20% to regrow feathers. But protein quality matters as much as quantity – complete proteins containing all essential amino acids, particularly methionine and lysine, prove crucial for optimal health.

Energy in chicken diets comes primarily from carbohydrates and fats. Corn traditionally provides the bulk of energy in commercial feeds, though wheat, barley, and other grains serve similar functions. Fat levels typically range from 2.5-5%, providing concentrated energy and improving feed palatability. The balance between protein and energy determines feed efficiency – too much energy relative to protein leads to fat hens that don't lay well.

Vitamins and minerals, though needed in smaller quantities, prove equally critical. Calcium demands special attention for laying hens, who require 4-5% calcium in their diet to produce strong eggshells – that's 4-5 times more than non-laying chickens need. Phosphorus, salt, and trace minerals like manganese and zinc support various body functions. Vitamin deficiencies can cause dramatic problems: lack of Vitamin A leads to respiratory issues, while Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets and soft-shelled eggs.

Step-by-Step Feeding Guide Through Life Stages

Proper nutrition changes as chickens grow and their needs evolve:

Stage 1: Chicks (0-8 weeks)

- Feed type: Chick starter, 20-24% protein - Form: Crumbles (easier for tiny beaks) - Amount: Free choice (unlimited access) - Water: Room temperature, changed frequently - Supplements: None needed with quality starter - Considerations: Medicated vs. non-medicated starter

Stage 2: Pullets (8-18 weeks)

- Feed type: Grower feed, 16-18% protein - Form: Crumbles or pellets - Amount: Free choice but monitor weight - Supplements: Grit for digestion if given treats - Transition: Gradual change over 7-10 days - Considerations: Lower calcium prevents kidney damage

Stage 3: Point of Lay (18-20 weeks)

- Feed type: Developer or early layer, 16-17% protein - Calcium: Gradually increasing - Supplements: Offer oyster shell separately - Signs: Red combs, squatting behavior - Transition: Critical period for nutrition - Considerations: Don't rush to layer feed

Stage 4: Active Layers (20+ weeks)

- Feed type: Layer feed, 16-18% protein, 4-5% calcium - Form: Pellets reduce waste - Amount: 1/4 pound per bird daily average - Supplements: Oyster shell, grit free choice - Treats: Maximum 10% of diet - Considerations: Adjust for production levels

Stage 5: Molting Birds

- Feed type: Higher protein (18-20%) or gamebird feed - Duration: 8-16 weeks typically - Supplements: Extra protein sources - Reduced calcium: They're not laying anyway - Amount: May eat less during molt - Considerations: Feathers are 85% protein

Stage 6: Senior/Retired Hens

- Feed type: Maintenance or all-flock - Protein: 16% adequate - Calcium: Reduce if not laying - Supplements: Joint support beneficial - Amount: Monitor for obesity - Considerations: Quality of life focus

Common Mistakes When Feeding Chickens

Well-meaning keepers often make nutritional errors that impact flock health:

Overfeeding Treats and Scraps: That daily handful of scratch grains seems harmless, but treats dilute balanced nutrition. When chickens fill up on low-protein treats, they eat less complete feed, leading to reduced laying, poor feathering, and obesity. Limit treats to 10% of total diet, offering them in afternoon after they've eaten their regular feed. Mixing Feed Types: Adding scratch grains or corn to layer feed seems economical but reduces overall protein and calcium levels. If your feed is 16% protein and you add equal parts 8% protein scratch, the mixture drops to 12% protein – insufficient for good production. Keep feeds separate and offer treats separately. Improper Storage: Feed quality deteriorates rapidly in heat, humidity, or sunlight. Vitamins degrade, fats become rancid, and mold develops. Store feed in cool, dry places in rodent-proof containers. Buy only what you'll use within 4-6 weeks, and always check mill dates. That "bargain" old feed costs more in poor production and health issues. Sudden Feed Changes: Chickens' digestive systems need time to adjust to new feeds. Abrupt changes cause digestive upset and temporary production drops. Always transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of new feed with decreasing amounts of old feed. Ignoring Water Quality: Chickens drink twice as much as they eat by weight, yet water often receives less attention than feed. Dirty, warm, or frozen water reduces consumption, directly impacting feed digestion and egg production. Fresh, clean water available constantly is as important as quality feed.

Budget Breakdown: Feed Costs and Strategies

Understanding true feeding costs helps manage the largest ongoing expense in chicken keeping:

Feed Consumption Averages:

- Chicks (0-8 weeks): 1-2 pounds per bird - Pullets (8-20 weeks): 12-15 pounds per bird - Layers: 1.75-2 pounds per week per bird - Annual layer consumption: 90-110 pounds

Cost Analysis (prices vary by region):

- Chick starter: $15-25 per 50-pound bag - Layer feed: $12-20 per 50-pound bag - Organic feed: $25-40 per 50-pound bag - Scratch grains: $10-15 per 50-pound bag - Oyster shell: $10-15 per 50-pound bag

Monthly Costs for 6 Layers:

- Conventional feed: $15-25 - Organic feed: $30-45 - Supplements: $2-5 - Treats: $5-10 (if controlled)

Cost-Saving Strategies:

- Buy in bulk with proper storage - Form buying cooperatives - Avoid waste with proper feeders - Ferment feed (improves nutrition, reduces amount needed) - Grow fodder in winter - Source local grain mills - Time purchases with sales

Troubleshooting Feed-Related Problems

Nutritional issues manifest in various ways requiring targeted solutions:

"My hens stopped laying despite consistent feeding"

Check these factors: - Verify protein levels (need 16-18%) - Ensure adequate calcium availability - Rule out hidden stressors - Consider daylight hours - Check feed freshness - Evaluate treat consumption - Monitor water intake

"Soft-shelled or shell-less eggs"

Calcium deficiency solutions: - Offer oyster shell free-choice - Never mix calcium into feed - Check Vitamin D3 levels - Ensure phosphorus balance - Consider feed quality - Verify storage conditions

"My chickens seem always hungry"

Evaluate feeding issues: - Confirm adequate protein levels - Check for feed spillage/waste - Rule out parasites - Monitor competitive feeding - Assess treat habits - Consider forage availability

"Feather quality is poor"

Protein and nutrition fixes: - Increase protein during molt - Add methionine sources - Check overall feed quality - Reduce stress factors - Ensure adequate minerals - Consider supplements

Pro Tips from Experienced Chicken Feeders

Veterans share feeding wisdom gained through years of experience:

"Fermented feed changed everything" – Susan, 10-year keeper "I ferment my layer feed for 3 days before feeding. My hens eat 20% less, their droppings smell better, and egg yolks are deeper orange. The probiotics seem to boost overall health too." "Separate feeders prevent problems" – Mike, flock manager "I use three feeders for my 12 hens. It prevents bullying and ensures everyone gets adequate nutrition. One aggressive hen can't monopolize multiple feeding stations." "Fodder systems save winter costs" – Jennifer, cold-climate keeper "Growing barley fodder in trays provides fresh greens when everything's frozen. Six pounds of grain yields 30 pounds of fodder. My winter feed bill dropped 25%." "Quality feed is cheapest long-term" – David, small farm owner "I tried saving money with cheap feed. Poor laying, health issues, and deaths cost far more than the 'savings.' Now I buy the best feed I can afford and have fewer problems." "Track consumption to catch problems early" – Maria, data-driven keeper "I measure feed consumption weekly. Sudden drops signal illness before other symptoms appear. Increases might indicate rodent problems or feed spillage."

Understanding Feed Labels and Ingredients

Decoding feed tags empowers informed decisions:

Guaranteed Analysis Breakdown:

- Crude Protein (minimum): Total protein content - Crude Fat (minimum): Energy density - Crude Fiber (maximum): Indigestible portion - Calcium (min/max): Critical for layers - Phosphorus (minimum): Bone development - Salt (min/max): Electrolyte balance

Common Ingredients and Purpose:

- Corn: Primary energy source - Soybean meal: Plant protein - Wheat middlings: Energy and fiber - Meat and bone meal: Animal protein - Limestone: Calcium source - Dicalcium phosphate: Phosphorus - Vitamin premix: Complete nutrition - Probiotics: Digestive health

Reading Between the Lines:

- "Plant protein products": Usually soy-based - "Grain products": Mixed grain sources - "Processed grain byproducts": Lower quality - Fixed vs. variable formula - Mill date importance - Regional ingredient variations

Supplementation and Treat Guidelines

While complete feeds provide basic nutrition, appropriate supplementation enhances health:

Beneficial Supplements:

- Oyster shell: Calcium for strong shells - Grit: Granite grit for digestion - Probiotics: Digestive health - Apple cider vinegar: Controversial but popular - Kelp meal: Trace minerals - Herbs: Natural health support

Healthy Treat Options:

- Vegetables: Leafy greens, squash, cucumbers - Fruits: Berries, melons, apples (no seeds) - Proteins: Mealworms, scrambled eggs - Grains: Oatmeal, quinoa (cooked) - Dairy: Plain yogurt in moderation

Treats to Avoid:

- Avocado: Toxic to chickens - Chocolate: Theobromine poisoning - Green potatoes: Solanine toxicity - Moldy anything: Dangerous toxins - Salty foods: Kidney damage - Raw beans: Hemagglutinin poisoning

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Feed

How much do chickens eat per day?

Adult laying hens consume approximately 1/4 pound (4 ounces) of feed daily, varying with size, production level, and environmental conditions. Free-range birds eat less commercial feed, while confined birds rely entirely on provided nutrition.

Can chickens eat chicken?

While controversial, chickens are omnivores and can digest cooked chicken meat. However, many keepers avoid this practice for ethical reasons and disease prevention. Never feed raw chicken due to disease transmission risks.

Should I feed organic or conventional?

This depends on personal values and budget. Organic feed costs 50-100% more but avoids pesticides and GMOs. Conventional feed produces similar production results. Some keepers compromise with natural (non-GMO) feeds priced between conventional and organic.

Is medicated feed necessary?

Medicated chick starter contains amprolium to prevent coccidiosis, a common intestinal disease. It's helpful in large operations or where coccidiosis is endemic but unnecessary with good sanitation and small flocks. Never feed medicated feed to layers producing eggs for consumption.

Can I make my own feed?

While possible, creating balanced feed requires understanding nutrition, sourcing quality ingredients, and proper mixing equipment. Small batches rarely achieve cost savings, and nutritional imbalances cause serious problems. Most backyard keepers find commercial feeds more practical.

Why do my chickens waste so much feed?

Feed waste typically results from feeder design, placement, or filling level. Use feeders with lips preventing billing out, hang at chicken back height, and fill only 1/3 full. Pellets waste less than crumbles. Address rodent problems that might be stealing feed.

Special Feeding Situations

Free-Range Feeding Adjustments:

- Reduce commercial feed 10-30% - Monitor body condition closely - Provide higher protein during low forage seasons - Ensure adequate calcium still available - Watch for crop impaction from long grass

Breeding Flock Nutrition:

- Increase protein for roosters - Add vitamin E for fertility - Ensure adequate minerals - Consider breeder specific feeds - Monitor rooster weight

Show Bird Preparation:

- Condition feeds for feather quality - Oil seeds for sheen - Color enhancers for specific breeds - Careful weight management - Specialized grooming diets

Emergency Feeding Situations:

- Feed shortage preparations - Alternative protein sources - Stretching feed supplies - Forage identification - Growing emergency feeds

Proper nutrition forms the foundation of successful chicken keeping. While the array of feed options might seem overwhelming initially, understanding basic nutritional needs and life stage requirements simplifies decisions. Quality feed appropriate to your chickens' age and purpose, supplemented judiciously with healthy treats and constant fresh water, supports optimal health and production. Remember that feed represents your largest ongoing expense but also your greatest tool for maintaining healthy, productive chickens. Investing in proper nutrition pays dividends through increased egg production, better health, longer productive lives, and the simple pleasure of watching content, well-fed chickens enthusiastically greet each new day.