Chicken feeds are not created equal, with many different types and brands to choose from. Picking the wrong feed for your flock can not only make your chickens less hardy, but it can even be deadly. Whether you're a chicken newbie wondering what to feed chickens, or a seasoned keeper who wants to experiment with more advanced techniques like soaking and fermentation, this guide is for you.
We'll cover how to:
- Decode chicken feed labels and ingredient lists
- Choose the right feed for your flock
- Distinguish which supplements your chickens need
- Identify nutrition problems
Read on for the ultimate handbook on chicken nutrition.
I. Why Chicken Feed Matters
Quality chicken feed is vital to optimal health, growth, egg production, and so much more. Let's take a look at a few of the ways the chicken feed affects your flock.
Disease resistance
Chicken nutrition is a tricky subject, and an improper diet can have serious consequences for your flock. Using low-quality, unbalanced, or the wrong type of feed can cause nutritional imbalances, making chickens more susceptible to diseases like:
- Encephalomalacia (crazy chick disease)
- Urolithiasis (visceral gout)
- Ascites (water belly)
- Cage layer fatigue
- Fatty liver disease
- Osteomalacia
- Rickets
Longevity
A healthy and varied diet can even extend your chicken's lifespan. Sadly, chickens that are classically bred to be raised for meat (like Cornish Crosses, Leghorns, Ross 308, Hubbards, and the Cobb 500) typically have short lifespans. However, this can be extended by monitoring food intake and supplementing with fruits and veggies. Likewise, feeding chickens the wrong feed (particularly meat bird feed) can shorten the lifespan of layers and cause fatal conditions like ascites.
Egg production & quality
The protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals content of chicken feed directly impacts the quality of the eggs your chickens produce. They can affect the eggshells, yolk color, and how often chickens lay, too! A poor diet can lead to soft shells, decreased output, and egg-bound hens (which can be deadly).
Immune system
Essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and calcium, are vital for wound healing, proper growth, and fighting off infections. Likewise, chicken feed can affect your hens’ energy levels, which in turn influence their ability to forage, their body composition, and their cardiovascular and digestive health.
Feathers
Quality feed helps support temperature regulation, molting, and plumage growth in chicks and pullets.
Other risks associated with poor nutrition include:
- Poor growth (or deformities)
- Feather issues
- Reduced laying
- Increased susceptibility to illness
- Malnutrition
- Soft shells
II. Understanding the Types & Forms of Chicken Feed
Choosing Chicken Feed for the Correct Life Stage
Choosing a feed that corresponds with your chicken's life stage is crucial, as different stages require different ratios of macro- and micronutrients.
For instance, feeding calorie-dense starter feed to adult chickens can cause obesity and increase their risk of developing secondary conditions like water belly. (This applies to meat bird feed, too—but more on that later!) Likewise, laying hens need layer pellets to ensure they have the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals for egg production.
Starter/Grower (0-16/20 weeks):
Baby chicks grow quickly and require a higher protein content (18–22%, depending on age). From hatching to 6 weeks, chicks need a protein-rich starter feed to support their rapid growth.
Around 6 weeks, you can switch to a slightly lower-protein grower recipe, such as Small Pet Select Premium Grower Feed, or continue with starter feed. Either way, these feeds should be used until at least 18 weeks of age. In addition to being high in protein, these recipes are lower in calcium compared to adult or layer feeds, since young birds do not yet need extra calcium to harden eggshells.
Medicated vs. Unmedicated Feeds:
You'll also need to choose between medicated and unmedicated chick feed. Medicated starter/grower feeds typically contain Amprolium for the treatment and prevention of coccidiosis.
Coccidia are an intestinal parasites common in chicks. Some chicken keepers like to start all their chicks on medicated feed as a preventative and then switch to a high-quality chick feed. (Coccidia can live in the soil and bedding for a long time and affect current and future broods.) In contrast, many backyard keepers prefer unmedicated feed to help their chickens build natural immunity, since most otherwise healthy chicks can fight off infections.
Layer Feed (point of lay onward):
Chickens start laying eggs when they are between 16 weeks and a year old. Once they start laying, hens should switch to a complete layer feed.
Layer feed has higher calcium levels (around 3%), moderate protein, and essential vitamins and minerals for egg production.
Signs your ladies are about to start laying include: submissive behaviors (like squatting when approached), nesting, and, most obviously, changes to their comb and waddles, which typically redden with maturity.
All-Flock/Flocker Raiser:
While an all-flock or flock raiser feed is certainly convenient for mixed flocks (as you only need one feed for all your birds), it may not contain the ideal calcium content for layers. Likewise, depending on the formula, the protein content might be too low for chicks or too high for adult birds. Whenever possible, offer feed targeted to your chickens’ specific life stage.
Broiler/Meat Bird Feed:
Another feed to avoid is broiler and meat bird feeds. While a higher protein formula might sound better for your flock, these feeds are extremely calorie-dense and cause rapid weight gain (as it is intended for meat chickens). We recommend avoiding these feeds entirely, since they can cause obesity, heart failure, and other health conditions that can drastically shorten a chicken's natural lifespan.
Pellets, Crumbles, Mash? Pros and cons
Now that we’ve covered the main types of chicken feed, let’s discuss the different textures available for commercial chicken feed: pellets, crumbles, and mash.
Be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to raising chickens for a deeper dive into the daily care and housing needs of your flock!
III. Inside your Chicken Feed: Key Ingredients & What They Do
The macronutrients in chicken feed are broken down into three types: protein, carbohydrates, and fats, and these three macronutrients make up the caloric (energy) content of the food and serve critical roles in your chickens’ bodies.
Understanding the Guaranteed Analysis & Ingredient List
What does crude mean?
You may notice that values on the guaranteed analysis of your chicken feed are labeled "crude" (i.e., crude protein, crude fat). This means that the product was tested in batches, and a statistical method was used to approximate the nutrient content. Since the nutrient content can vary slightly across batches, the macronutrient content is often listed as minimum and/or maximum numbers.
Why ingredient order matters
The order of the listed ingredients on your chicken feed isn't unintentional — they're listed in order by weight. This means the first ingredient makes up the largest percentage of the recipe, which is why a lot of vets and nutritionists advise shoppers to look at the first few ingredients to determine the recipe quality.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein, Min 18%
- Lysine, Min 1%
- Methionine, Min 0.5%
- Crude Fiber, Max 6%
- Crude Fat, Min 4%
- Calcium, Min 2.25%, Max 2.75%
- Phosphorous, Min 0.5%
- Salt, Min 0.15%, Max 0.35%
Supplements & Treats
Now that we've delved into chicken feed, let's discuss some essential dietary supplements for chickens.
Grit
Poultry grit consists of small, insoluble rock fragments (like granite or flint) consumed by birds to aid digestion. It's essential for all poultry, regardless of age or diet (including those on commercial pellets or grains), since they lack teeth.
The grit travels to the gizzard, where it acts like grinding stones. As the muscles in the gizzard contract, the grit pulverizes hard-to-digest foods such as whole grains, seeds, and plants.
This mechanical breakdown is crucial because it allows digestive enzymes to properly process and absorb nutrients from food. Without grit, food remains largely undigested, potentially leading to malnutrition and crop impaction (a blockage in the digestive tract), which can be fatal.
Oyster Shell
Oyster shell is an essential calcium supplement for chickens that are laying. It’s especially important for strong shells in heavy layers and older hens.
Oyster shells should be offered separately from feed (do not mix it in!). Since pullets and roos need much less calcium than layers, consuming too much can lead to kidney issues and other problems.
Not sure which oyster shell to buy? All-natural Small Pet Select Premium Oyster Shell is proven to strengthen shells and provide your layers with the calcium they need!
Chicken scratch feed
Contrary to popular belief, chicken scratch is not a complete and balanced feed, but rather a treat that should be given occasionally rather than as part of the primary diet. It promotes foraging behaviors (hence the name “scratch feed”), making it a great treat for mental and physical stimulation. However, it should account for no more than 10% of your flock's diet since it's meant to be used as a supplement not a feed.
Treats & Table Scraps: The Golden Rules
The 90/10 Rule
A complete and balanced chicken feed for the correct life stage should make up at least 90% of your flock's diet
While it is tempting to give your chickens all your leftovers (and they certainly love treats and scraps), these should be offered sparingly.
Over-treating can cause your hens to lose interest in their feed, and prevent them from getting the right amount of nutrients — potentially causing deficiencies, especially if they consume a lot of low-nutrient foods.
The Do's and Don'ts of Food Scraps
Now that we've covered how much is too much when it comes to scraps, let's talk about what to feed chickens– and what not to feed them when it comes to scraps.
Foraging
Not only do wild plants and insects offer nutritional benefits, but hunting bugs and foraging provide mental and physical enrichment while allowing chickens to fulfill their natural instincts.
Of course, not all plants are safe for chickies, and free-ranging can leave chickens vulnerable to predators, so it's best to keep an eye on them when they are outside.
V. Chicken Feeding Fundamentals
How Much Chicken Feed Should I Give & How Often?
There are two main approaches: free-choice feeding (keeping feeders full 24/7) and measured portions (providing specific amounts 1-2 times daily).
Free feeding
Free-choice is generally recommended as it mimics natural foraging. In larger flocks, it can also help reduce stress and competition and ensure all your birds have consistent access to feed. It can also cater to different appetites, which can fluctuate with weather, age, and egg production.
However, it can also lead to overeating, wasted feed, obesity (particularly in less active birds), and attract ants or other pests.
Measured portions
Measured portions (typically 1/4 to 1/3 lb per bird daily, adjusted for breed and age) offer better control over intake. Controlling your flock’s portions can also help reduce waste and pests, and prevent obesity.
This method requires careful calculation and carries the risk of underfeeding if amounts are too low. Plus, it can increase aggression, causing birds to compete for limited food at feeding times.
Call out:
Most backyard flocks do best with free-feeding using a combination of high-quality layer feed, oyster shell, and grit. Healthy treats such as scratch, grubs, and scraps can also be given sparingly for some extra nutrients. Chicken keepers should always monitor their flock's body composition and adjust their feed as needed.
Signs of underfeeding include:
- Weight loss
- Poor egg production
- Pale combs/wattles
- Decreased activity levels
- Increased feather pecking/cannibalism
- Increased foraging behavior
Signs of overfeeding:
- Obesity (feeling large fat pads over the breastbone/abdomen)
- Excessive feed waste
- Mobility issues
- Lethargy
- Secondary illnesses like ascites
- Excessive growth
Chicken Feed Storage & Hygiene
Proper storage of food and water hygiene is paramount for a healthy flock. Like all food, chicken feed is susceptible to mold, bacterial growth, and pests, all of which can make your chickens very sick.
Here are some tips to ensure your chicken feed stays safe for your flock:
- Use airtight containers to reduce the risk of spoilage and pests.
- Pay attention to the shelf life and expiry date (and be sure to label it if you pour it into another container!).
- Provide access to clean water at all times (dump and refill daily).
- Prevent the water from freezing in the winter by using electric water bowls.
- Ice blocks and chilled bricks can help keep water cool during the summer.
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Clean your feeders and waterers daily with warm, soapy water.
VI. Common Feed-Related Issues
Poor Egg Production or Quality
Reduced laying, or laying soft, thin, or misshapen eggs, is a key indicator that your chickens have a nutrient imbalance. It can also be a sign that your chickens are stressed or going through a molt. Remedy egg issues by offering a quality layer feed, supplementing with oyster shells for calcium, and protein-rich treats like.grub bugs.
Feather Picking/Cannibalism
Feather picking and cannibalism are typically a result of overcrowding, stress, and the introduction of new chickens; however, they can also be due to in-fighting caused by limited food access or protein deficiencies (common during molting).
Failure to thrive
Poor growth in chicks and pullets (sometimes referred to as failure to thrive) can be caused by disease or poor nutrition.
Nutritional causes are typically due to:
- Too little feed
- The wrong type of feed for their life stage
- Too little protein
- Poor quality feed
Small Pet Starter and Grower Feeds are a great way to make sure your chicks are getting the appropriate amount of protein and calories chicks need to develop into happy, healthy birds.
Obesity
Obesity is a common problem in chickens that are fed an inappropriate diet. This can mean overfeeding, offering too many treats or table scraps, or feeding the wrong type of feed (like high-calorie meat bird feeds).
VII. Special Considerations & Going Deeper (For the Seasoned Keeper)
Genetically Modified vs. Non-GMO Feeds
GMOs are products made with genetically modified organisms (in this case, seedstock). The seedstock undergoes a process where altered gene material is inserted in the plant to change the DNA and achieve a desired effect. Some common reasons farmers use genetic modification are to increase output and make crops more resistant to pests and diseases.)
While research is still ongoing into the potential impact of GMOs on diet, many avoid these products for fear of developing diseases or allergic reactions (due to the addition of unspecified gene material). Likewise, there is evidence that GMOs could potentially harm the environment and pollinators.
Luckily, with Non-GMO chicken feeds like Small Pet Select's, you don't have to worry about your flock coming in contact with genetically modified plant or animal ingredients.
Organic feed
The USDA National Organic Program website explains that "organic" products are free of: "Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used."
With that said, you might be surprised to learn that your organic chicken feed may not actually be completely organic.
Chicken feeds simply labeled “organic” can actually contain a number of non-organic ingredients. Luckily, the wording can give you clues. Here’s how to decipher chicken feed labels:
"Made with Organic Ingredients"
These products are not certified organic. Even the ingredients labeled as organic only have to come from organic sources at least 70% of the time to qualify for this label.
According to the USDA, products may state "made with organic" (insert up to three ingredients or ingredient categories); they must not include the USDA organic seal anywhere, represent the finished product as organic, or state "made with organic ingredients."
"Organic"
Can contain up to 5% inorganic ingredients.
"100% Organic"
All ingredients (minus salt and water) must be from certified organic sources to use this label.
A note on organic chicken feed
According to the AAFCO," The USDA does not consider organic foods to be necessarily safer, healthier or more nutritious than conventionally-produced foods."
Advanced techniques: Fermenting Feed & Sprouting Grains
Fermenting feed and sprouting grains are two popular methods for increasing the digestibility and the nutrient content of your chicken feed.
Sprouting grains
Sprouting grain feed is an excellent way to increase the nutritional profile of your feed, and it is quite easy to do!
Sprouting grains involves soaking the seeds in a shallow tray of water for a few days until the seeds begin to sprout.
You can serve them when they grow a few centimeters to a few inches long. Sprouted feed that is allowed to grow a little bit longer (4 inches or more) is known as fodder and is also a great dietary addition to chickens.
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Keep in mind that some chicken feed manufacturers treat their grains to prevent sprouting, so make sure you choose a variety that is minimally processed if you want to experiment with sprouting.
Grains that work well for sprouting:
- Rye
- Wheat
- forage oats (NOT feed oats — these will mold)
- Barley
- Peas
- Wheatgrass
- Wheat berries
Sprouting grains considerations:
- When sprouting grains, you’ll need to keep the mixture between 65 ℉ and 75℉.
- Flax and feed oats are prone to becoming slimy / going moldy.
- Sprouted grains have short shelf-lives and may become contaminated with bacteria or mycotoxins if left for more than 4-5 days.
- Treated seeds will not sprout.
Fermenting Feed
Fermented feed is a great source of natural probiotics for chickens and can even improve egg quality! Here's how to make it:
- Pour your desired amount of feed into a bucket and cover it with water, allowing it to soak for a full day (or two if needed)
- After 24-48 hours of thorough soaking, pour off the extra water and rinse the mixture.
- Pour the feed back into your bucket and cover it loosely with a cling wrap, cloth, or an offset bucket lid to keep air flowing (and keep critters out!)
- Store the bucket at room temperature for several days to allow it to ferment. Remember to stir occasionally.
- In 3-7 days, you'll start to see bubbles, which indicate the feed is fermented and ready to serve!
XIII. Small Pet Select's Approach to Chicken Nutrition
Small Pet Select believes every small pet deserves the best nutrition possible. That's why all our feeds include high-quality, U.S.-sourced ingredients. Our complete and balanced chicken feeds are made without genetically modified ingredients and are free of low-quality fillers like corn and soy. Switch to Small Pet Select today and see the difference for yourself!
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