Chicken Feed by Life Stage: Starter, Grower, Layer, All-Flock

Starter (0-8 weeks)

For chicks aged 0-8 weeks, provide a feed with 18-20% protein crumble. Use medicated starter (which contains amprolium, a thiamine blocker that helps chicks build resistance to coccidiosis) if the chicks were not vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery. Non-medicated starter is suitable when chicks are vaccinated or raised in a very clean brooder.

Grower (8-18 weeks)

From 8-18 weeks, switch to a grower feed with 16-18% protein and lower calcium. This prevents pullets from laying down too much bone and fat before reaching the point of lay.

Layer (18 weeks and up)

Once the first egg appears, typically at 18 weeks and up, transition to a layer feed with 16% protein and 3.5-4.5% calcium to ensure strong eggshells. Do not feed layer feed to non-laying birds, chicks, or roosters.

All-Flock or Flock-Raiser

For mixed-age flocks or any age, use an all-flock or flock-raiser feed with 18-20% protein and low calcium. Provide a separate dish of crushed oyster shell so hens in lay can supplement their calcium intake as needed. This feed is ideal for mixed-age flocks, molting hens, and flocks with roosters.

Broiler/Meat Birds

Broiler or meat starter and finisher feeds contain 20-24% protein and are intended for meat birds harvested by 8-10 weeks.

Switching Feeds

When transitioning between feeds, do so gradually over 5-7 days by mixing the old and new feed to avoid soft manure.