Chickens: Diets for All Life Stages

What should I feed my chickens?

Over the last decade, chickens have become more popular, not only as a source of homegrown eggs, but also as house pets. All chickens belong to the species Gallus gallus. There are hundreds of chicken breeds across the world, but only 65 breeds are recognized by the American Poultry Association. 

Chickens are fun, playful, friendly, small pets and, given the right environment, they can be enjoyable in an outdoor or indoor environment.

Like all small pets, chickens require the proper diet, protection from predators, and room to move around. Most adult chickens eat about 4 ounces (133 grams) of food per day. Food should always be available, as chickens of all ages graze throughout the entire day. 

A commercial, high-quality diet will supply the proper nutrition to ensure your chickens obtain a nutritionally complete diet. Homemade or feed-store mixed rations are often not complete and may lead to serious malnutrition issues. Fresh water must be available at all times.

Baby Chicks

Chicks less than 8 weeks of age need a high protein diet to support their rapid growth. A starter feed/ration is essential for young chicks. The protein content should range from 18% to 22% and the calcium content of the ration should be 1%.

Growing Chicks

Chicks over 8 weeks of age and up to 20 weeks of age should be fed a slightly lower protein content, as they do not have the increased requirements for new feather and muscle growth. 

Protein levels should be 16%-18% in growing hens and roosters. Calcium levels should remain around 1%. Some breeds, like the Golden Comet and Australorp, can lay earlier than 20 weeks of age, so it is important to know your chicken’s breed when selecting a diet.

Adult Laying Hens 

Most breeds of chickens over 20 weeks of age will need an increased level of calcium to support egg laying in female chickens. The protein can remain between 16% and 18%, but the calcium level of the diet should be 2.5%-4%. Layer pellets (pellet feed) will supply both these requirements. Again, fresh water must always be available.

Roosters and Show Chickens

Roosters and show chickens that are not regularly laying eggs may do well on either layer pellets or growing pellets, but they do not need the higher levels of calcium that are in layer pellets. In backyard flocks where is may be difficult to separate the roosters from the flock, you may find it easier to feed adult roosters and hens the layer pellets.

Can I give my chickens treats or other supplements?

You can give your chickens treats in addition to their feed, but treats should not comprise more than 10% of the daily intake from all food sources. The following supplemental items may be added to your chicken's diet as treats:

• Greens: Most chickens love fresh leafy greens. Leafy greens are a great way to add extra nutrition to their diet. Some good greens for chickens include kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. 
• Fruits and Vegetables: Chickens enjoy eating fruits and vegetables besides greens, and some good options include apples, grapes, carrots, and tomatoes. 
• Grains: Grains are another essential part of a chicken’s diet. Some good options include oats, barley, and wheat.
• Insects: Insects, like mealworms, are an excellent source of protein for chickens, and they love to eat them! If you have an insect problem in your garden, you can use your chickens as natural pest control by letting them loose in the affected area. Otherwise, you can purchase insects from a local pet store or online retailer.
• Scratch: Chicken scratch is not a complete ration. It is meant as a treat and should never be fed as the main diet.

By understanding the nutritional needs of different life stages, you can ensure that your feathered friends thrive in your care. Remember that while commercial feeds are designed to meet these requirements, incorporating treats like greens, fruits, and insects can enhance their diet and enrich their lives when provided in moderation.