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Ashley Starling

What To Feed Baby Chicks

Updated: Oct 20

As baby chicks mature, their dietary requirements evolve, which can be perplexing to navigate. But fret not! We've got you covered with all the assistance you need for your burgeoning chickens.


baby chick waiting for food in Weatherford
what to feed baby chicks


Before diving in, it's important to note that different feed manufacturers may have their own recommended stages for feeding. While this guide presents a widely accepted standard, always adhere to the directions provided on the specific feed you select for optimal results. What is ok to feed baby chicks differs slightly from person to person.


Regardless of their age, one golden rule remains: Always provide feeds to your flock "free choice," ensuring they have access to feed at all times while they're awake. Chickens won't overindulge on quality, complete feeds (though do exercise moderation with treats), so offering feed free choice ensures they receive all the essential nutrition without overconsumption. The best starter feed for baby chicks usually has about 20-22 percent protein.


Chicken Feeding Guide


From Hatching to Around Six Weeks:

People often ask how to feed baby chicks at home so here is a bit of advice.

During this phase, baby chicks require finely-milled chick starter feed. Laying breeds, which comprise most breeds commonly kept, typically consume about 1 pound of feed per chick weekly. So, for baby chicks, you'll need approximately 6 pounds of feed per chick until they transition to grower/developer feed at around 6 weeks of age. Up to this point, chicks need feed with 20%-22% protein to support their rapid growth. Some poultry keepers may opt for medicated starter feed.


While solely on finely-milled chick starter feed, baby chicks don't require grit for digestion. In fact, it's advisable to hold off on providing grit until they start consuming other foods alongside chick feed. This precaution prevents chicks from mistakenly ingesting excessive grit, which can lead to digestive issues. Introducing chick grit alongside other foods ensures proper digestion once they begin diversifying their diet.


feeding baby chicks by hand in Weatherford
baby chick getting healthy food


Six Weeks to Laying Age:

Juvenile chicks typically require slightly over 1 pound of grower/developer feed per week until they commence laying, usually between 16-24 weeks of age. This translates to a little over 8 pounds of grower/developer feed per juvenile. During this phase, birds require feed with 14%-16% protein. Note that some feed brands may not offer grower or developer feed separately, transitioning directly from starter to layer feed. Always adhere to your chosen feed brand's recommended feeding regimen.


Laying Adults:

Once hens begin laying, they typically consume about 1.5-1.75 pounds of layer feed weekly. For laying adults, feed should contain 15%-18% protein.


Roosters and Non-Laying Hens:

Mature roosters and non-laying hens can continue on layer feed. However, during fall and winter when laying hens may decrease egg production substantially, some may opt to switch their flock to grower/developer feed. If choosing this route, ensure to provide supplemental calcium, such as crushed oyster shell, to ensure any laying hens have sufficient calcium for robust eggshell formation.


Please note that the information provided does not pertain to Cornish Cross chickens, as they have a distinct and accelerated growth trajectory necessitating a different feeding schedule.

Ashley, The Chicken Man has been successfully, breeding, hatching and growing baby chicks and pullets at home for the past 2 years. We have been successful in extreme heat and very cold temps. Our chicks are healthy and happy. That is why we put out so many chicken videos of our home operation here in Weatherford TX, Parker county.

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