Small-Flock Poultry
In order to have happy and healthy chickens that meet your egg or meat needs, it’s crucial to provide a balanced diet. Selecting the right type of feed is important because you can do more harm than good if you buy the wrong feed. For instance, you can’t feed a growing chick layer feed because the amount of calcium in the mix can cause kidney issues; and too many calories and protein fed to an adult chicken cause weight gain and fatty liver.
Types of Feeds
Commercial feeds are balanced nutritionally for each stage of growth and to maintain health and production. However, if you look at the labels you’ll see that the ingredients aren’t much different; it’s the ratio that matters, particularly for protein. But selecting feed can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
The following are the general types of feeds you’ll encounter. Note: Some feed companies have a
“complete feed” that can be fed to a higher age range. You’ll also see feed in crumbles (or mash) and pellets. Pellets are cooked a little longer than crumbles, which make them a bit more digestible. Spilled crumbles tend to get mixed in with the floor litter where pellets do not. But some birds don’t care for pelleted feed. Try both and see what works.
1. Starter/chick feed is for chicks aged 0 to 6 weeks. It’s made with 20% to 22% protein, which is important for growing birds. There is also a medicated choice that includes a coccidiostat to prevent an intestinal disease spread through droppings called Coccidiosis.
Check the label carefully if you have other animals on your farm as some medications, such as Monensin, is toxic to horses. You shouldn’t feed a medicated product if your chicks have been vaccinated for coccidiosis as the coccidiostat or antibiotic can negate the vaccination.
2. Grower feed is for developing pullets aged 6 to 20 weeks. The protein is less for this group at 14% to 16%. Grower feed may also be medicated and can be fed up to 18 weeks.
3. Layer feed is appropriate for egg-laying hens aged 20 weeks and older. The protein is 15% to 18% and the calcium is 21⁄ 2% to 31⁄ 2%. If you notice cracked or brittle-shelled eggs, switch to a layer feed with a higher percentage of calcium.
4. Broiler feed provides a balanced ration that will support fast growth. The protein is 20% to 23%.
Meat birds eat a lot. A broiler chicken will put away 10 pounds of feed in the first six weeks.
This feed may also contain a coccidiostat or antibiotic.
5. Finisher feed is to be fed to meat birds up to their finished age (Cornish and Cornish crosses are finished around 6 to 8 weeks; other meat birds are finished from 9 to 11 weeks. All breeds are usually finished at 6 pounds). The protein is 18%. Discontinue use of medicated feeds one week before slaughter.
6. All-purpose feed is safe and suitable for every age, and is a good middle of the road option. Protein is 16%.
Optional Food
Table scraps such as vegetables, fruit, stale bread or crackers are all fine to feed, however, use them as a treat and remove moldy or picked over scraps. Avoid foods such as onions or garlic as they can affect the taste of the eggs.
Fresh grass is a good source of nutrition and one of the best ways to supplement your feed. If your hens aren’t out on pasture, you can feed lawn clippings. Chickens can’t digest dried plant material, so make sure the grass is freshly cut. Do not feed grass that has been treated with herbicide or pesticide.