If you’re raising chickens, remembering what feed you need for different types and ages of chickens can get confusing. What you feed a young layer is different than what you feed a mature meat bird. The following table gives you the essentials:
| Chicken Type (Age) | Feed | Protein Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Pet, show, and layer chicks (0 to 6 weeks) | Chick starter | 18 to 20% |
| Pet and show chicks (6 weeks on, if not laying) | Chicken feed | 12 to 14% |
| Laying hens (6 weeks until laying begins) | Layer finisher or grower | 12% |
| Laying hens (through laying years) | Layer feed | 16% protein + correct calcium and mineral balances |
| Meat birds (0 to 6 weeks) | Broiler or meat bird starter | 23 to 24% |
| Meat birds (6 weeks to butchering) | Broiler grower-finisher or meat bird grower-finisher | 18 to 20% |