Types of Poultry Feed
If you are new at raising chickens, the types of feed available can be a bit confusing. Here are some basic descriptions and guidelines that might help out.
Most chicken feed is described as poultry feed because it can be used to feed birds other than chickens, such as game birds and turkeys. The basic forms are mash, pellet, and crumble. Choosing which to use is often based on the farmer’s preference. Mash is grain milled together in loose form. Pellets are compressed units of mash, requiring the poultry to eat the whole blend instead of pecking through. Crumbles are broken bits of pellets. They are easier to swallow for smaller birds than whole pellets. Storage and feeding distribution method are factors. You can review a study on broiler chickens and pellet vs. mash feed here.
Starter feed is typically an all poultry feed used for helping brand new chicks get off on the right start. The size of the feed grains (mash, which is milled not whole) and its accessibility is important to help peeps find and swallow the food. It’s best to spread it out on the ground or paper for the first few days. Then you can transition to bowls and ultimately your preferred feeder. The amount of protein at this stage depends on the purpose of the poultry. For laying chickens, 16% minimum is recommended. For poultry raised for consumption some prefer even higher levels of protein (20-30%). Some farmers alter their standard feed rations using fishmeal to increase the protein level.
The next stage of feed often used (though not always) by poultry owners is grower or developer. Some stick with starter feed the whole growth period. It’s typically a form of mash or crumble and helps “grow” more mature chicks up to full size. This is an important stage of a bird’s development because it sets the course for it’s future health and productivity. Preferred levels of protein apply as before with starter. It is not unusual to find some producers produce one feed for both grower and broiler since the protein levels can be similar.
When poultry is close to full size, the choice of primary feed depends on the purpose of the poultry. It’s always important to slowly transition the feed if moving from mash to crumble and pellet form. Poultry need to acclimate to the new eating experience if you want to avoid potential short-term deprivation or food spoilage.
Chickens bred for laying (”pullets” for the first year, “hens” afterwards) need sufficient levels of protein to maintain maximum egg production (min 17%) and a calcium supplement for the egg shells. Oyster shell is common; make sure it’s iodine free. Malnourished poultry will always under-produce. Cold weather requires chickens to use more energy to stay warm. Since egg production is naturally lower during winter months, some owners supplement the layer feed with less expensive scratch feed.
Broiler and finisher feed are similar in purpose - growing poultry for consumption. Broiler feed is specifically designed for fast growing broiler chickens, whereas finisher feed can be used for various poultry.
Ways to supplement regular complete feeds are with scratch feed (whole grains fed by spreading it around on the ground) or pasture time for pecking at bugs and seeds. There is nothing wrong with feeding your chickens kitchen scraps, however too much can create an imbalance in their nutrient intake and thrown off speed of growth or egg production. Determine what is important for your needs.
Grown poultry also need access to grit to help digest their feeds. You can purchase and spread on the ground various sized grit, or give poultry regular access to sandy/rocky soil. Make sure the soil is “clean” and not contaminated with pesticides, lead, or other chemicals.
Here is a chart to help you estimate the amount of feed to buy for your chickens. Every feed producer has their own recommendations so you will find differing opinions. Please use this only as a general guide.
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Starter Feed
Starter feed is designed for egg laying poultry (1 day to 6 weeks old) and broiler poultry (1 day to 4 weeks old). Good feed provides balanced nutrients to support rapid early growth. High quality feed can be worth the investment to create good layers and broilers. Correct grain size encourages early consumption by the chicks.
Feeding Tips:
Distribute feed based on weight instead of volume. You can place the feed container on a simple scale to measure (don’t forget to subtract the weight of the feeder). Use a feeder that minimizes food spill. Switch from starter feed to layer feed at the onset of lay which is 20 to 22 weeks. For broilers switch their feed at 4 weeks to finish.
Other Tips:
Clean the coop 1 week before chicks arrive. Turn on the heat lamps 24 hours before birds arrive. Start the temperature at 90° F (32° C) and reduce it by 5 degrees each week (if desired) to a minimum of 65° F (18° C). Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. If your coop comes with an installed waterer, you may have to use a temporary one until the chicks get large enough to reach it. Scatter feed on a newspaper the first day so chicks can find it easily. Keep feeders full the first week. Then you can reduce the amount in the feeder until about half full thereafter. For health questions or concerns, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Layer Feed
Layer feeds are typically a complete ration for laying birds, though ground limestone or oyster shell is recommended at the onset of laying for the egg shells. The feed should be balanced in energy, minerals and vitamins supports egg production.
Feeding Tips:
Distribute feed based on weight instead of volume. You can place the feed container on a simple scale to measure (don’t forget to subtract the weight of the feeder). Use a feeder that minimizes food spill. Offer ground limestone or oyster shell at the onset of lay.
Other Tips:
Provide grit at least once per week until oyster shell is offered and as needed after oyster shell is used. Birds allowed to forage will require less feed or need for grit depending on soil. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. For health questions or concerns, consult your veterinarian.
Scratch Feed
Scratch is an energy source for all species of poultry. It is an economical source of energy when a complete feed is not desired, such as in winter months with layers. Higher quality grains (such as test-weight) contain more energy and nutrients. Cleaned grains eliminate foreign material and reduce feed dust.
Feeding Tips:
Introduce gradually until the birds get use to it and can be fed free choice or in self-feeders. Adjust the feeding rate to maintain desired growth rate or production. Supplement minerals and grit (if not foraging) as needed. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Broiler or Finisher Feed
Broiler feed is for growing and finishing ration for broilers and roasters. These feeds carry a higher level of protein and amino acids to maximize muscle development and feathering. Feed with vitamins and minerals can enhance health and immune systems. This feed comes in pellet and crumble form to help improve consumption, maximize feed efficiency, and reduce waste.
Feeding Tips:
Feed free choice starting at 4 weeks. Transition from the starter to the broiler feed (use broiler starter whenever available). Birds allowed to forage will consume less feed, but make sure the feeders don’t run empty. Clean feeders and waterers regularly. Provide appropriate size grit if not adequate with foraging.
