Feeding Guide

How to Feed Chickens & Poultry

Chickens have straightforward nutritional needs that shift meaningfully at three key life stages: chick, grower/pullet, and layer or finisher. Get the protein and calcium levels right at each stage and your flock will thrive. This guide covers general industry guidelines — always verify with your specific feed bag label.

Note: Feeding amounts and stage timings are general guidelines based on University Extension and manufacturer recommendations. Actual needs vary by breed, body condition, climate, and production goals. Always read your specific feed bag label for manufacturer-recommended feeding rates.

Feeding by Life Stage

Stage	Age / Weight	Daily Amount	Protein Target	Notes
Chick Starter	Hatch – 8 weeks	Feed free-choice (ad libitum)	18–22%	Critical growth phase. Keep feeders full at all times. Avoid high-calcium feeds — it stresses kidneys.
Pullet / Grower	8–18 weeks	Feed free-choice	14–16%	Reduce protein slightly to encourage bone development before laying. Still avoid layer feed (too much calcium).
Layer	18+ weeks (at first egg)	~¼ lb (about ½ cup) per bird/day	15–18%	Needs 3.5–4.5% calcium for shell quality. Offer oyster shell free-choice alongside feed.
Broiler / Meat Bird	Hatch – harvest (6–9 weeks)	Feed free-choice	20–22%	High protein from day one. Use a complete meatbird or broiler formula start to finish.
Breeder / Breeding Flock	Breeding age adults	~¼ lb per bird/day	15–17%	Balanced vitamins/minerals are critical for fertility and hatch rates. Avoid deficiencies in Vitamin E, selenium.
Molt / Recovery	Annual molt (fall)	Feed free-choice	18–20%+	Temporarily boost protein to support feather regrowth. Production drops during molt — this is normal.
Turkey / Duck Starter	Hatch – 8 weeks	Feed free-choice	26–28%	Waterfowl and turkeys need higher protein than chickens in early weeks. Use a species-appropriate starter.
Turkey / Duck Grower	8 weeks – harvest	Feed free-choice	16–20%	Step down protein after rapid early growth. Consult bag label for specific breed requirements.

* These are general industry guidelines based on extension service recommendations. Actual needs vary by breed, body condition, and environment. Always verify with your feed bag label.

When to Switch Feed Types

The most common mistake with backyard chickens is feeding layer pellets to chicks — the high calcium can cause kidney damage in young birds. Transition from starter to grower at around 8 weeks, then move to layer feed when you see the first egg or when birds reach 18 weeks (whichever comes first). For meat birds like Cornish Cross, a single high-protein formula from hatch to harvest works well and simplifies your feeding program. If you're raising turkeys or ducks alongside chickens, use a multi-species starter with higher protein (26–28%) — a standard chicken starter is too low for turkey poults in particular.

Transitioning to Non-GMO Feed

Switching from conventional to Non-GMO feed is straightforward when done gradually. Chickens can be sensitive to sudden feed changes, which may cause temporary digestive upset or a short dip in egg production. A 7–10 day blend-down is plenty for most flocks.

7–10 Day Transition Schedule

1Days 1–3: 75% old feed / 25% new Non-GMO feed mixed together
2Days 4–6: 50% old / 50% new — watch for any loose droppings or feed refusal
3Days 7–9: 25% old / 75% new Non-GMO feed
4Day 10+: 100% new Non-GMO feed

What to Watch For

✓Brief dip in egg production is normal during the transition — it should resolve within 2–3 weeks
✓Temporary loose or foamy droppings can happen — normal unless it persists more than a week
✓Birds may eat slightly more or less initially as they adjust to the different ingredient profile
✓Expect gradual improvement in yolk color over 3–6 weeks on soy-free/Non-GMO feed

Recommended Products for Chickens & Poultry

Available at BooneTop Farms & Feed, 1460 Highway 100 West, Centerville, TN

Hillsboro Feed Company

22% Crumbled Starter/Grower/Broiler Feed

Best for: Chicks, growers, and broilers

Usually In Stock

Hillsboro Feed Company

22% Soy & Corn Free Crumbled Starter

Best for: Chicks, corn/soy-sensitive flocks

Usually In Stock

Hillsboro Feed Company

16% Layer Pellets

Best for: Laying hens 18+ weeks

Usually In Stock

Hillsboro Feed Company

16% No Corn No Soy Pelleted Feed

Best for: Layers — elimination diet option

Usually In Stock

Hillsboro Feed Company

28% Turkey, Quail & Duck Feed

Best for: Turkeys, quail, ducks, broilers

Usually In Stock

KOFFI

Soy Free Layer 16%

Best for: Certified organic laying hens

Usually In Stock

KOFFI

Soy Free Broiler

Best for: Organic meat birds

Usually In Stock

Kalmbach Feeds

Non-GMO Soy Free Five Grain Scratch

Best for: Supplement / treat for mature birds

Usually In Stock

Browse All Products →

Seasonal Feeding Considerations

🌱 Spring

As days lengthen, egg production ramps up — make sure layer feed is adequate and oyster shell is always available. Transition outdoor birds back to full rations after any winter feed reduction.

☀️ Summer

Heat stress reduces feed intake and egg production. Keep water fresh and cool. Consider fermented feed to increase nutrient absorption from smaller intake volumes.

🍂 Fall

Annual molt usually begins as daylight hours shorten. Temporarily boost protein to 18–20%+ to support feather regrowth. Production will drop — this is normal and expected.

❄️ Winter

Cold weather increases calorie demand. A small evening serving of scratch grains generates heat through digestion overnight. Keep waterers from freezing — dehydration suppresses production.

Questions About Feeding Your Chickens & Poultry?

Text or call us — we're farmers too and happy to help you find the right feed.

Text 931-217-5556 Call (931) 217-5556

1460 Highway 100 West, Centerville, TN 37033 · Mon/Thu/Fri 10am–6pm · Sat 10am–3pm