Feed by life stage
Chickens’ nutritional needs change as they grow, so most feed is sold by life stage. Always follow the label on the bag, and ask your feed supplier or a vet if you are unsure.
- Starter. Higher in protein and designed for chicks from hatch until roughly 6 to 8 weeks. Starter is typically around 18 to 20 percent protein, though labels vary.
- Grower (or developer). Lower in protein for young birds up to about the point of lay, roughly 18 to 20 weeks. Some keepers use a single “starter/grower” feed instead.
- Layer. For hens that have started laying, with added calcium for eggshells and typically around 16 percent protein.
- Flock raiser or all-flock feed. Suitable for mixed groups of ages, or flocks with roosters, usually with oyster shell offered separately to the hens that are laying.
- Broiler or finisher. Higher-protein feed designed for fast-growing meat birds. It is not generally intended for laying hens.
Do not feed layer feed to young chicks. The extra calcium is not suitable for growing birds and may harm their kidneys.
Feed by form
The same recipe may come in different textures:
- Mash. Finely ground and loose. Easy for chicks, but birds can waste it and fine dust can be picked out from the rest.
- Crumble. Small broken pieces of pellets, often used for chicks and smaller birds.
- Pellets. Compressed and uniform, usually less wasteful and harder for birds to pick through.
- Whole grains and scratch. Cracked corn, wheat, and similar. Scratch is more of a treat than a complete feed.
Which form you pick is mostly a matter of preference, cost, and waste. Fermenting feed is popular with some keepers, but there is no need to start with it as a beginner.
Medicated starter
Some starter feeds contain a coccidiostat to help chicks cope with coccidiosis, a common intestinal parasite problem. Chicks vaccinated against coccidiosis generally should not be given medicated feed, as it can interfere with the vaccine. Check the hatchery’s advice. If a chick has bloody droppings or seems lethargic, contact a vet promptly.
Grit and calcium
Chickens have no teeth, so they use small stones (grit) in the gizzard to grind food. Birds with access to soil usually pick up enough, while birds fed whole grains or confined may benefit from added grit. Laying hens on a complete layer feed usually get their calcium from it, but many keepers offer oyster shell in a separate dish so each hen can take what she needs.
Treats and scratch
Treats are fine in moderation. A commonly cited guideline is that treats and scratch should stay at roughly 10 percent of the diet or less, so the bulk comes from the complete feed. That balance is what people sometimes call the “90/10 rule.” Good treats include chopped leafy greens, some vegetables, and small amounts of fruit.
Foods to avoid
Be cautious with:
- Raw or dried beans, which contain a natural toxin when uncooked.
- Avocado skin and pits.
- Chocolate and caffeine.
- Moldy, spoiled, or rotten food.
- Very salty, sugary, or heavily processed foods.
- Large amounts of green potato peels or sprouts.
If you are unsure whether something is safe, leave it out. If a bird has eaten something suspicious and seems unwell, call a vet.
Molting and mixed flocks
During a molt, when birds lose and regrow feathers, protein needs rise, and some keepers switch to a higher-protein all-flock feed temporarily. In mixed flocks with roosters, young birds, and hens, an all-flock feed with a separate calcium source is an easy compromise. See chicken pecking order for managing feeding in a flock where some birds dominate.
Water
Clean water matters as much as feed. Chickens drink more in hot weather, and laying hens need steady access. Check waterers daily, clean them often, and prevent freezing in winter.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three types of chicken feed?
Many sources group them by age: starter, grower, and layer. Others add flock raiser and broiler feeds.
What type of feed is best for chickens?
The best feed is a complete one matched to the birds’ age and purpose. A layer feed suits adult laying hens, and a starter suits chicks.
What food should I avoid giving chickens?
See the list above. If a chicken seems ill after eating something, seek veterinary advice.
Related reading
Feed choices are part of overall setup. See what makes a good chicken coop for storing feed and for feeder and waterer placement, and free range backyard chickens for how foraging affects feeding.