feeding

🥬 Feeding Basics

Feeding chickens is simple—but doing it right makes a big difference in egg production, health, and growth. This guide walks you through what to feed, when to feed it, and why it matters.

🐣 Chick Starter (0–6 weeks)

• Protein: ~20–22%
  
  

• Form: Crumbles
  
  

• Medicated vs. Non-Medicated:
  
  

  • Medicated starter includes amprolium to help prevent coccidiosis
    
    

  • Use non-medicated if your chicks are vaccinated or you’re going organic
    
    

Feed chicks only starter feed—don’t supplement with scraps or grains at this stage.

🐥 Grower Feed (6–18 weeks)

• Protein: ~16–18%
  
  

• Form: Crumbles or pellets
  
  

• Calcium: Low (laying hens need high calcium, but growing birds don’t)
  
  

Switch to grower feed around 6 weeks and continue until the first egg appears.

🐔 Layer Feed (18+ weeks)

• Protein: 16–18%
  
  

• Calcium: High, to support strong eggshells
  
  

• Form: Crumbles or pellets
  
  

Start feeding layer feed when your hens begin laying—or right around 18 weeks.

🍳 Free Choice Supplements

Grit:

• Helps grind up food in the gizzard
  
  

• Not needed if feeding only commercial crumbles/pellets
  
  

• Add if feeding whole grains, pasture, or kitchen scraps
  
  

Oyster Shell:

• Provides extra calcium for eggshells
  
  

• Offer in a separate dish—not mixed into feed
  
  

🧂 Treats, Scraps & Extras

• Keep treats to <10% of their daily diet
  
  

• Avoid salty, moldy, or spoiled food
  
  

• Good treats: mealworms, watermelon, cabbage, oats
  
  

• Avoid: onions, chocolate, raw beans, green potatoes
  
  

💧 Don’t Forget Water

• Always keep clean, fresh water available
  
  

• Chickens won’t eat if they don’t have water
  
  

• In winter, use heated bowls or swap water often