If you’re new to poultry farming, you must have complete knowledge about feeding chickens. Understanding how to feed your chickens is most important because it’s linked to the flocks’ health and productivity.
We’ve compiled a range of information and resources to help you get started. The intent of this definitive guide is not necessarily to tell you how to feed chickens, but rather how to go about it with the intention of keeping your chickens healthy and happy.
Chickens need different feed at different ages
As with any animal or living thing, chickens are going to require and produce different nutrients as they grow. The needs of a baby chick are different from those of an adult chicken.
In addition to the varying nutritional requirements, an adult chicken will produce eggs, which are also nutritionally different from other meats.
It’s important that your chickens have the right chicken feed available at the right time. If you feed them too much or too little based on what they need, you’ll find that your chickens become sick, weak, and obese.
Chickens are omnivores and eat both plants and animals. If you’ve ever decided to raise chickens, one of your first steps should be to determine what to feed chickens and what to avoid.
Also read: Best 120+ Chicken Treats To Give Your Flocks
Feeding Baby Chicks
Baby chicks are among the cutest creatures imaginable. It’s easy to see why so many people are initially drawn to the idea of raising chickens.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that raising baby chicks can be tedious work. So let’s get started.
Starter feed for chicks
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Chickens are omnivores and, like all animals, need a good balance of protein and carbohydrates in their feed. For baby chicks, the best way to provide this is with a starter feed.
As newborn chicks start to eat, you’ll want to introduce them to adult food. Remember, you’ll have to feed them special baby food until they are old enough for regular adult food.
There are several types of starter foods available. Laying hens will produce the best laying eggs unless you have a second purpose for your backyard chickens.
If you’re raising a number of chickens for eggs, you’ll want to purchase a laying breed. Among the most popular chicken breeds, the White Leghorn is one of the best egg layers. If you have a need for meat, then consider the Cornish Rock and Dominique cross breeds.
How long to feed a chick starter?
While you can feed your chicks starter until they’re ready to transition, it’s not necessary to wait too long. You can transition your chicks to the next stage feed as early as 8 weeks old.
It’s important that you talk with your local feed store before doing this. Starter feed can differ from regular chicken food. If you transition your chicks too early, they may get sick.
When transitioning chicks, change the type of feed rather than overhauling their whole routine. For example, offer a gradual mix of both starter and grower feed so they adjust without overeating.
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When feeding baby chickens, you’ll want to use a small size feeder and drinker. This allows you to more easily monitor how much food your chicks are eating.
In the case of feeders, it’s also important that you choose one that is lightweight. Otherwise, your chickens may overturn their food. Chicks are prone to overeating, so overloading them with food can be dangerous for their health.
Many feeders and drinkers for chickens are bright and colorful. While it’s not a safety concern, this can get messy in a hurry. It’s best to choose feeders and drinkers that are black or brown in color.
How much to feed baby chicks per day?
If you’re feeding starter, offer small, fresh portions 2–3 times per day so chicks always have clean feed without waste. If you transition toward grower or adult feed later, you may reduce the number of refills based on intake. Replacing feed twice per day is usually adequate.
Feeding Cockerels And Pullets
As chickens mature, their nutritional requirements change. The gender of your chicken can also influence the amount of food you give it, as well as its growth rate. Let’s learn more about feeding pullets and cockerels.
Feeding grower feed to chickens
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As your chickens grow older, provide a more diverse diet. In general, cockerels and pullets require more balanced protein and minerals as they grow.
Gradually transition from starter feed to grower feed to avoid digestive upset. Grower feed (often a lighter protein than starter) is easier on developing birds.
How long to give grower feed?
At about 8–16 weeks, you can transition to grower feed. It’s best to work with a local feed store to time the change correctly.
Because feed formulations vary, your local experts can help match feed types to your flock’s age and purpose.
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As the chicks grow, give them more food and water with medium-size feeders and waterers. For small flocks, 2–3 gallon equipment is sufficient; larger flocks may require up to 4 gallons.
How much do you feed a pullet chicken per day?
Feeding rates depend on age, purpose, and feed type. As a guide, a pullet needs about ¼ to ⅓ lb per day. With a quality commercial ration, most pullets self-regulate and eat what they need.
Feeding Adult Chickens (Hens And Roosters)
Feeding an adult rooster or hen differs from pullets and cockerels. Adults need to maintain health or lay eggs, so you’ll use layer feed and, when needed, breeder feed.
Feeding layers and breeder feed to chickens
For older chickens, transition to layer feed and breeder feed as appropriate. This shift typically happens as birds mature and approach laying age.
Can you give layer feed to chickens?
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For adult chickens that are laying eggs, provide layer feed (or breeder feed when required). If hens aren’t laying or you notice thin shells, mix layer feed with supplemental calcium (e.g., oyster shell) rather than overfeeding.
Layer feed is sometimes called breeder feed; the key difference is protein and calcium content for active layers.
How long to give layer feed?
For chickens at 16+ weeks, transition to a mature layer feed. This feed is higher in protein and calcium for egg production.
Work with your feed store to dial in the right ration. Chickens are individuals, so make gradual changes so they adapt comfortably.
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Use large-size feeders and drinkers for adult flocks. Breeding setups may need 4–6 gallon capacity; meat birds may need 5–6 gallons to keep access steady.
How much to feed the hens and roosters?
A typical hen needs 100–150 g per day. Avoid overfeeding beyond this range or production may drop. Roosters usually take 170–200 g per day, depending on size and activity.
Feeding Chickens Naturally
Apart from commercial rations, you can improve flock health with natural chicken feed. This can be done on a small or large scale depending on your flock size. The three most common natural feeds are free-ranging, grit, and diatomaceous earth, plus calcium from eggshells.
Free ranging
Letting chickens free-range allows them to pick at natural vegetation, seeds, insects, worms, and grubs. This not only supplements their diet but reduces feed costs. Even when free-ranging, still provide some supplementary chicken feed to balance nutrition.
Grits
If your chickens are free-ranging, then it’s important to give them grits. This is a type of sand that is ingested by chickens to aid in digestion. It’s best if you provide your chickens with a type of grit that they can’t pick up and carry away. Grits also help keep their digestive system in order.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is mostly used to control parasites in chickens, and it’s also a natural source of nutrients. This is an ingredient that chicken owners can purchase and store for at least 2 or 3 years for future use. It’s important to provide it to them without mixing it with feed. You can just sprinkle it on your chicken’s food.
Eggshells
Eggshells are an excellent natural source of calcium. Dry and crush shells before offering. Calcium strengthens eggshells and supports laying hens. If unsure, you can also offer commercial calcium supplements like oyster shell.
Feeding Treats To Chickens
When to Give Treats
Treats should be occasional snacks, not a main food source. For chicks under three weeks, avoid treats entirely. From 3 weeks to 2 months, offer very small amounts as training snacks.
Safe Chicken Treats
Common, nutrient-rich treats include raisins, carrots, sunflower seeds, wheat bran, strawberries, lettuce, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and oatmeal. These are high in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins that support growth.
Limit Treats
Treats should make up no more than 10% of the flock’s total diet — about two tablespoons per bird per week. Too many treats can upset digestion and reduce egg production.
Feeding Table Scraps to Chickens
Table scraps can improve flock variety and reduce kitchen waste. Offer fresh or lightly cooked items like rice, pancakes, waffles, roasted potatoes, broccoli, carrots, celery, or spaghetti.
Avoid very salty, moldy, or spoiled food. Remember, what to avoid feeding chickens is as important as what to feed — skip chocolate, avocado pits/skins, and anything toxic to poultry.
Problems Caused By Poor Feeding Of Chickens
Poor feeding results in poor health and a weak flock. Below are some of the problems commonly associated with poor feeding:
Weak legs
Weak legs are caused by a lack of fat. The growth and development of the legs depend on the amount of fat present in the chickens.
You need to feed your hens a healthy diet to promote the growth of their legs. This should be done by using complete chicken feed.
Poor feathering
Feathers are used by chickens to keep themselves warm and to protect their bodies from harsh weather conditions. The ability of the feathers to keep the chickens’ bodies warm depends on their quality. Diet is the key to good feathering in chickens.
Low-quality eggs and shells
When chicken feed is not provided in good quality, it can result in low-quality eggs and shells. When chicks are not fed well and are weak, then the eggs and shells produced by them will also be of low quality.
Diseases
Poor feeding of chickens may result in the development of diseases. Some of the common diseases found among chickens are Staphylococcus, Newcastle’s Disease, and Avian Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ALT).
FAQs on Feeding Chickens
Should I give scratch feed to my chickens?
It is advisable to give scratch feed to your chickens as this is a good diet for them. Scratch feeds keep your chicken warm all through the night. The maximum percentage of scratch feed you should provide your chickens should be 10%. You can give it without mixing it with their food. The best time for giving your chickens a scratching meal is during the night.
Should I feed an additional supplement to my chickens?
Additional supplements and vitamins are important in improving the health of your chickens. Specialized supplements are recommended for your chickens before they get used to chicken feed.
What to feed chickens during molting?
Molting is the natural process of shedding feathers and growing new ones. It’s very important to know when chickens molt as it results in a loss of production. You should provide your chickens with high protein feeds during this time and ensure that their bodies have enough nourishment. These feeds include sunflowers, mealworms, and scrambled eggs.
How do I know if my chickens are getting enough food?
There are a few ways to determine if your chickens are getting enough food. One of them is that when you visit the coop during the day or evening, you should see that the chickens are active and have a good weight to them.
Their droppings should be firm, dry, and small. Another way to tell is when you feed your chickens, they should eat all the food in the feeder.
Production is also a way to determine if your chickens are getting enough food. Check their egg production to understand if they are healthy or not.
Conclusion: Best Practices for Feeding Chickens
Feeding chickens correctly at every stage — from chick starter to grower and layer feed — keeps your flock healthy and productive.
Adjust feed type and quantity as birds mature, supplement with grit or calcium when needed, and limit treats and scraps to avoid nutritional imbalance.
By following these simple best practices for feeding your chickens, you’ll support strong growth, quality eggs, and long-term flock health.
Whether you’re raising a few backyard hens or managing a larger flock, a consistent feeding routine is the foundation of successful poultry keeping.
