Feeding chickens isn’t just about tossing corn outside the coop. The quality, type, and timing of what you feed your birds determine their health, growth, egg production, and even the taste of their meat. Whether you’re raising layers or broilers, understanding the purpose of each feed type, its form, and how to read feed labels will help you get the most from your flock.
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| Chicken feeding |
🌾 Understanding Chicken Feed Basics
Different types of commercial feeds serve different purposes, and the nutrient composition can vary depending on the mill or region. So, instead of choosing feed by brand or cost, focus on the ingredient list and the guaranteed protein and nutrient levels.
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🐣 1. Starter Feed (For Chicks)
From hatch day, chicks need nutrient-rich feed to build strong bodies.
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Layer chicks (future egg layers): 20% protein
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Meat chicks (broilers): 22–24% protein for the first six weeks, labeled “meat bird starter” or “broiler starter.”
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Medicated feed: Often used for the first few weeks to prevent disease. Stop using medicated feed at 18 weeks for layers or two weeks before butchering meat birds.
✅ Tip: If you have mixed chicks (layers and broilers), use the higher-protein feed. However, separate them after the brooder stage since layers don’t need as much protein later on.
🐔 2. Grower Feed (For Pullets 6–14 Weeks)
As young pullets grow, it’s important not to rush egg production. Too much protein can cause early laying before the birds’ bodies are ready.
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Protein level: 18%
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Purpose: Steady growth and strong bone development without excess fat.
🥚 3. Developer/Finisher Feed (15–22 Weeks)
Once pullets reach 15 weeks:
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Protein level: 16%
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Purpose: Prepare birds for laying without adding fat.
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Important: Avoid high-calcium feeds until 18 weeks old, too much calcium too early can damage kidneys.
🐓 4. Adult Layer Feed (22 Weeks and Beyond)
For hens that are actively laying:
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Protein: 16–18%
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Calcium: Higher levels for strong eggshells.
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Note: Only laying hens (and roosters in the same flock) should eat layer feed.
⚠️ Too much calcium can cause kidney problems. If you notice thin or soft-shelled eggs, offer crushed oyster shells separately so hens can take what they need.
🍗 5. Broiler Feed (For Fast-Growing Meat Birds)
Broiler Hybrids
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0–6 weeks: 22–24% protein (starter)
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After 6 weeks: 18–20% protein (“grower-finisher”)
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Avoid antibiotics in finisher feed to prevent residue in meat.
Heritage & Free-Range Broilers
These breeds grow more slowly.
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First 6 weeks: 22–24% protein
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Next 6 weeks: 18–20% protein
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After 12 weeks: 16% protein until butchering.
6. Avoid “All Stock” or “Sweet Feed”
Feeds labeled as “All Stock” or “Sweet Feed” often contain molasses and are not formulated for chickens.
While chickens may sneak a few bites without harm, don’t use them as your primary poultry feed.
🧈 7. Forms of Feed: Mash, Crumbles, and Pellets
Feed comes in three main forms:
| Feed Form | Common Use | Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Crumbles | Finisher & adult feed | 🥇 Best overall |
| Pellets | Adult birds | 🥈 Very good |
| Mash | Starter feed | 🥉 Least preferred |
If mash is all you can get, mix it with a bit of warm water or vegetable cooking water to make it like thick oatmeal — chickens love it! Just make sure it’s eaten quickly to prevent mold growth.
8. Grit: The Secret to Good Digestion
Chickens don’t have teeth — they rely on grit (crushed limestone or granite) to grind food.
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Provide grit if you feed whole grains or homemade rations.
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If using only commercial feed, extra grit isn’t needed.
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For small flocks, canary or parakeet grit from pet stores works fine.
🧑🌾 9. Mixing Your Own Feed (Home-Made Rations)
Mixing your own chicken feed lets you control ingredients and quality, but it requires nutrition knowledge and balanced formulation.
Common Ingredients:
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Energy sources: Corn, wheat, oats, barley, sorghum
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Protein sources: Soybean meal, fish meal, cottonseed meal, sunflower cake
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Vitamin/mineral sources: Alfalfa, kelp, meat & bone meal, salt, yeast
Soybeans must be heat-treated before feeding to remove protein inhibitors. Roasted or extruded soybeans add valuable fat and energy but should not be stored for long periods.
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| Feeding chicken on cabbage |
Key Tip:
Chickens need less protein as they age, so target the right ration for each stage. The National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements for Poultry is the gold standard reference for balanced nutrition.
🌻 10. Using Sunflower Seed Cake (Kienyeji Feed Formula – KARI)
According to the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI):
| Chicken Type | Sunflower Cake | Maize | Oyster Shell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 22 kg | 100 kg | — |
| Grower | 20 kg | 100 kg | — |
| Layer | 18 kg | 100 kg | 2–3 kg |
Sunflower seed cake is a cost-effective protein supplement that supports healthy growth and egg production in kienyeji (indigenous) chickens.
💧 11. The Role of Water in Egg Production
An egg is 75% water, so hydration is key.
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Without constant clean water, hens cannot produce eggs.
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Chickens drink 30–50% more water when temperatures exceed 32°C.
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The drier the feed, the more water chickens will need.
Always provide fresh, cool water and check drinkers regularly.
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| Chicken feeders |
🐥 Final Thoughts
Feeding chickens is both an art and a science. The right feed at the right time supports healthy growth, strong eggs, and flavorful meat. Whether you use commercial or home-mixed rations, balance, cleanliness, and consistency are the keys to a productive flock.
Remember: a well-fed chicken is a happy chicken — and happy chickens lay better eggs.
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