What to Feed Chickens: The Complete Guide for Healthy, Happy Flocks
Optimal nutrition throughout each life stage boosts growth, immunity, and egg quality.
Raising chickens is rewarding and accessible, whether you keep a small backyard flock for fresh eggs or simply for their quirky companionship. However, ensuring chickens get the proper nutrition at every stage of life is vital for their health, egg production, and happiness. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about feeding chickens—from baby chicks to productive laying hens and everything in between.
Why a Chicken’s Diet Matters
Chickens are omnivores with diverse dietary needs. Their nutrition directly impacts:
- Growth and development in chicks
- Immune system strength and disease resistance
- Egg production and eggshell quality
- Feather condition and overall vitality
A balanced, age-appropriate diet is crucial. Poor feeding leads to stunted growth, illness, and poor-quality eggs.
Chicken Feed Types by Age
| Life Stage | Feed Type | Protein Content | Key Nutrients | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatch to 8 weeks (Chicks) | Chick Starter | 18-20% | Protein, vitamins, minerals | Supports rapid growth and immunity |
| 8 to 14 weeks (Juveniles) | Starter/Grower Feed | 16-18% | Balanced protein, less calcium than layers | Maintains growth without too much calcium |
| 15 to 18 weeks (Pullets) | Grower or Finisher Feed | 16% | Balance between protein and minerals | Prepares for laying, prevents excess calcium loading |
| 18 weeks and up (Laying Hens) | Layer Feed | 16% | Calcium, protein, vitamins, omega-3s | Egg production and strong shells |
Supplements Commonly Used at Each Stage
- Probiotics: Supports gut health
- Brewer’s yeast and garlic powder: Immunity and digestion
- Sea kelp/Herbal blends: Natural minerals and vitamins
- Diatomaceous earth (DE, food grade): Parasite management
Note: Supplements should not replace balanced commercial feed but can support optimum health, especially for flocks with specific needs.
What Can Chickens Eat? Detailed Foods List
Chickens love variety but need a diet centered on nutritionally complete feed. Here are the main food types and examples:
Commercial Feeds
- Chick Starter Crumbles (for chicks): Tiny, high-protein feed to jumpstart growth
- Grower Pellets/Crumbles (for juveniles): Slightly reduced protein, less calcium
- Layer Pellets/Crumbles (for adults): Includes extra calcium and nutrients for eggs
- Broiler Feed (meat birds): Formulated for fast, safe growth (not for layers)
Grains and Scratch Mixes
- Scratch grains (corn, barley, oats, wheat): Offered as a treat, not main diet
- Cracked corn: High energy, but low in protein. Use in moderation.
Greens & Vegetables
- Lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage
- Carrots (grated), peas, cucumbers, zucchini
- Herbs: oregano, sage, parsley
- Clumps of grass, dandelion leaves (never chemically treated)
Fruits (As Occasional Treats)
- Apples (remove seeds), pears
- Berries: blackberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Watermelon, cantaloupe
Never feed citrus fruits or avocado to chickens.
Protein Sources
- Insects: earthworms, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae
- Cooked unsalted scrambled eggs (excellent for chicks and adults)
Kitchen Scraps & Leftovers
- Cooked rice, brown rice
- Cooked or whole grain pasta (no sauce or salt)
- Bread in small amounts (whole grain preferable)
- Fruit and vegetable peels (no citrus)
Tip: Scraps should never make up more than 10% of a chicken’s diet.
Grit & Calcium Supplements
- Grit: Commercial grit or clean small stones, essential for digestion if not free-ranging
- Crushed oyster shell or eggshell: Free-choice for all layers to support eggshell strength
Foods Chickens Should Never Eat
Some human and pet foods are toxic or harmful to chickens. Exclude these from their diet:
- Chocolate and anything with caffeine
- Avocado (especially the pit and skin)
- Onions and large amounts of garlic
- Citrus fruits (cause digestive upset; interfere with calcium absorption)
- Raw or dried beans (contain toxins)
- Green potato peels and unripe tomatoes (contain solanine)
- Highly processed, salty, or moldy foods
- Apple seeds, cherry pits or any fruit pits (contain cyanide compounds)
Always double check if in doubt, and keep fresh water available at all times.
Essential Feeding Tips & Practical Advice
Fresh Water Is Critical
- Provide constant access to clean, cool water. Change and clean waterers daily.
- Chicks are particularly vulnerable—use a special chick waterer to prevent drowning.
Meal Timing and Treat Strategy
- Main feed (starter, grower, or layer) should be available throughout the day.
- Treats and scratch grains are best given late afternoon to encourage hens to return to the coop at dusk.
- Keep treats to less than 10% of daily intake to ensure balanced nutrition.
Special Tips For Each Age Group
- Chicks: Use chick-specific feed and waterers, introduce grit only if giving foods other than starter.
- Juveniles: Gradually introduce healthy treats.
- Layers: Offer oyster shell or eggshell for calcium; ensure protein and vitamin needs are met especially during molt.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Feeding
- Free-range chickens will supplement their diet with foraged insects, seeds, and plants.
- Confined chickens rely entirely on what you provide: balance their feed and offer greens and protein supplements as needed.
Common Feeding Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overfeeding scratch grains: Causes obesity and poor laying.
- Offering too many treats/scraps: Dilutes vital nutrients in commercial feed.
- Inadequate access to calcium or grit: Leads to weak eggshells or digestive issues.
- Dirty feeders and waterers: Spread disease and deter eating.
- Not updating feed as chickens age: Mismatched nutrition for life stage.
Feeding Chickens in Different Seasons
- Winter: Extra scratch grains provide energy for warmth. Ensure water doesn’t freeze.
- Summer: Offer cool, watery foods like watermelon in moderation. Ensure constant access to shade and water.
- During Molt: Boost protein slightly to support feather regrowth.
Supplements and Natural Additions
Popular Supplements
- Brewer’s yeast, garlic powder, and kelp powder: Immune support and digestion
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade): Parasite control when added to feed (never dust form only and never more than ~2%)
- Omega-3 powders: For egg quality when desired
Note: All supplements should be used sparingly and mixed well into feed. Consult your feed supplier or avian vet for specific recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much feed do chickens need per day?
A typical adult hen eats about 1/4 pound (approx. 120g) of commercial feed daily, in addition to any free-range finds or treats. Adjust for breed and laying activity.
Q: Can I feed my chickens kitchen scraps?
Yes, but avoid anything spicy, salty, moldy, or toxic (see foods-to-avoid above). Scraps should only be a small supplement to their balanced feed.
Q: Do chickens need grit if they free-range?
Free-ranging chickens typically find plenty of grit in the soil. Caged or confined birds need commercial grit provided regularly for healthy digestion.
Q: What treats are healthiest for chickens?
Best treats include leafy greens, mealworms, soft scrambled eggs, cucumbers, watermelon, and limited grains such as oats or corn. Avoid sugary and processed foods.
Q: How soon can chicks eat greens or treats?
Chicks can try tiny amounts of chopped greens and soft scrambled eggs after the first week, provided they have access to suitable grit and are still getting a chick starter diet as their main food.
Q: How important is clean water?
Absolutely vital. Chickens need fresh, clean water at all times. Sanitize waterers daily, and use special chick waterers to prevent drowning or contamination for young chicks.
Quick Reference Chicken Feeding Checklist
- Match feed to chicken life stage: starter, grower, layer.
- Supplement with vegetables, safe fruit, and high-protein treats in moderation.
- Provide calcium (shells/oyster shell) and grit as needed.
- Avoid all toxic foods and keep treat levels to under 10% of bulk diet.
- Keep feeders and waterers clean at all times.
- Adjust diet for season and health needs.
With a bit of planning and observation, proper chicken feeding is simple and rewarding. A healthy, well-fed flock means strong eggs, lively birds, and the peace of mind that your backyard companions are thriving.
References
- https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2012/12/quick-reference-feed-guide-chick-to.html
- https://www.azurefarmlife.com/farm-blog/caring-for-chickens-101
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TzDJTZ6Gco
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a32102474/raising-chickens/
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/news/a39370/what-to-feed-chickens/
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lKqnXiZVE7k
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZHXeMFj-1E
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkpGvWVdO_Y
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