The Complete Guide to What to Feed Chickens by Age

Raising backyard chickens What to Feed Chickens by Age is a rewarding experience, but their health depends on proper nutrition at every stage. Balanced meals ensure strong bones, vibrant feathers, and consistent egg production. From fluffy chicks to mature layers, each phase requires tailored feeds to support growth and vitality.

Chicks need high-protein starter feed immediately after hatching to fuel rapid development. As they grow, transitioning to specialized formulas prevents deficiencies. For example, switching at 8 and 16 weeks ensures optimal calcium and protein levels for egg-laying hens.

Brands like IFA offer science-backed feed systems designed for each life stage. Skipping these transitions risks stunted growth or weak eggshells. With the right diet, your flock will thrive and reward you with years of productivity.

Key Takeaways

• Starter feed with 20% protein supports chicks’ early growth.
• Transition feeds at 8 and 16 weeks for proper development.
• Layer feed includes calcium for strong eggshells.
• Improper nutrition can harm kidney function and egg production.
• Treats should not replace balanced commercial feeds.

Why Age-Appropriate Chicken Feed Matters

From fluffy hatchlings to egg-laying adults, precision in poultry nutrition prevents problems. Tailored feeds support bone strength, feather quality, and consistent egg production. Skipping critical transitions risks lifelong health issues.

The Science Behind Poultry Nutrition

Chicks need 20% protein in starter feed to fuel rapid growth. Without it, muscle and feather development lag. As pullets mature, calcium becomes vital—but only after 16 weeks to avoid kidney damage.

Storey’s Guide emphasizes:

“Ration formulation demands expertise. Imbalanced homemade blends lack essential nutrients.”

Risks of Feeding the Wrong Diet

• Kidney damage: Excess calcium too early harms young birds.
• Weak eggshells: Layers deprived of calcium lay fragile eggs.
• Aggression or obesity: Diluted nutrition alters behavior and metabolism.

Dr. Julie Gauthier warns: *”Medicated feeds clash with vaccines, while DIY mixes risk toxicities.”* For precise diet phases, consult chicken age charts.

What to Feed Chickens by Age: A Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

Proper poultry care means adjusting meals as your flock matures. Each life stage demands specific nutrients for optimal health and productivity. Getting it right ensures vibrant feathers, strong bones, and consistent egg yields.

Fueling Newborn Chicks (0-8 Weeks)

Freshly hatched birds require starter feed with 20-22% protein. This high-energy formula supports rapid muscle and feather development. Look for options with probiotics for digestive health and DHA for brain growth.

• Medicated varieties help prevent coccidiosis but shouldn’t mix with vaccinated chicks
• Fine crumble texture makes eating easier for tiny beaks
• Transition gradually at 7-8 weeks to avoid digestive upset

Supporting Adolescent Pullets (8-16 Weeks)

As birds enter their teenage phase, switch to grower feed with 16% protein. This balanced formula maintains steady development without overloading young kidneys with excess calcium.

Key features include:

• Reduced calcium levels (under 1.25%)
• Essential amino acids for continued growth
• Available in pellet or crumble form

Maintaining Productive Hens (16+ Weeks)

When laying hens approach egg production, introduce layer feed. This specialized blend contains 16-18% protein and 3.5-4.5% calcium for strong shells. According to poultry nutrition experts, timing matters.

“Introduce layer ration 2-3 weeks before expected first egg to build calcium reserves.”

During molting periods, temporarily boost protein to 18-20% to support feather regrowth. This nutritional adjustment helps hens bounce back faster.

Essential Nutrients for a Thriving Flock

Nutritional excellence transforms ordinary poultry into vibrant, egg-laying powerhouses. Each nutrient plays a starring role—protein builds muscles, calcium fortifies bones, and omega-3s enrich eggs. Tailoring these elements to your flock’s life stage ensures peak health and productivity.

Protein, Calcium, and Omega-3s Explained

Protein fuels growth and sustains energy for laying eggs. Starter feeds pack 20% protein for chicks, while layers thrive on 16-18%. Too little risks stunted development; too much strains kidneys.

Calcium is a game-changer for hens. Layer feeds include 2.5-3.5% to prevent brittle shells and bone depletion. Purdue University research confirms:

“Hens mobilize 10% of their bone calcium daily for eggshells—reserves must be replenished.”

Omega-3 fatty acids boost egg nutrition. Flaxseed or fish oil supplements create eggs with 25% more healthy fats.

Supplements Like Grit and Oyster Shell

Oyster shells offer slow-release calcium. Provide them separately so hens self-regulate intake. Avoid crushed eggshells—their inconsistent calcium levels fail to meet demands.

• Grit: Granite or flint pieces grind fibrous foods in the gizzard. Essential for confined flocks.
• Probiotics: IFA feeds include these to enhance digestion and immunity.
• Vitamins: Support feather quality and disease resistance year-round.

Pair these supplements with complete feeds for a foolproof nutrition plan. Your flock’s vitality depends on it.

Healthy Treats and What to Avoid

Keeping your flock happy involves more than just basic feed—smart treat choices make all the difference. While treats add variety, they should never replace a balanced diet. Stick to the 90/10 rule: 90% complete feed, 10% extras.

Safe treats include protein-packed mealworms, diced watermelon, and peas (max 2 tbsp per day). Fly Grubs’ black soldier fly larvae offer 40% protein and 85x more calcium than standard feed. Dark leafy greens like kale and herbs such as parsley also boost health.

Avoid:

• Avocado, chocolate, and salty foods—toxic to birds
• Onions or garlic, which alter egg flavor
• Moldy or processed human snacks

Scratch grains—like cracked corn—are the “junk food” of poultry. They lack nutrients but work for occasional enrichment. Overfeeding risks obesity and weakens eggshells. As Dr. Jacquie Jacob notes:

“Treats should complement, not compromise, core nutrition.”

Prioritize your flock’s vitality. A handful of berries or a spoonful of larvae rewards them without sacrificing their diet.

Pro Tips for Feeding Mixed-Age Flocks

Managing diverse poultry groups requires smart feeding strategies for optimal health. With birds at different life stages sharing space, tailored solutions prevent nutritional imbalances. A few adjustments ensure every chicken thrives.

Start with unmedicated starter or grower feed for all ages. Laying hens need extra calcium, but young birds can’t process it. Offer crushed oyster shell in separate dishes—hens self-regulate intake while chicks avoid excess.

• Segregate feeders: Place grower feed in one and calcium supplements in another. This prevents accidental overconsumption.
• Free-feed daily: Birds eat small meals constantly. Keep feeders full to support natural grazing habits.
• Skip layer feed: Its high calcium harms chicks’ kidneys. Reserve it for hens actively laying eggs.

Multiple feeders reduce bullying and ensure timid birds eat. Space them evenly in your backyard coop. Observe egg production weekly—adjust calcium if shells seem thin or brittle.

With these tactics, your mixed age flocks flourish together. Healthy birds mean more eggs, fewer vet visits, and a happier coop life.

Conclusion: Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens

A thriving flock starts with the right nutrition at every phase of life. From starter to layer feeds, each formula delivers essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Tailored meals ensure strong bones, glossy feathers, and consistent eggs.

Quality feed makes all the difference. IFA’s 3-step system or Fly Grubs’ high-calcium options simplify backyard poultry care. With proper nutrition, your birds stay active and productive for years.

Ready to optimize your flock’s health? Local IFA experts offer personalized raising backyard chickens advice. Start today—your vibrant, egg-laying companions deserve the best.