Until we had our first chicken, I truly did not know there were different types of chicken feed. As a reminder fellow tenders, I am a born and raised city girl. I had much to learn in the ways of the chicken.
Between siblings and my awesome local feed store, I got a crash course in what my sweet flock needed. Just for you, here is a quick guide CHEAT SHEET on just a few of the feed types available:
Chick starter-of all varieties, this is the grain feed with the highest amounts of protein. From their hatching until around 6 weeks old, this is the best option. Growing chickys need their protein!
Grower feed-has a little less protein than starter but more than layer feed. Use it to support birds from 6 weeks old until their first egg is laid.
Layer feed-high in calcium to support hens when going through heavy egg production. However, it can be harmful to non layers including roosters and elderly flock family.
Flock raiser feed-use if you have a flock of mixed ages and purpose. Flock raiser has enough protein for those still growing, but not so much calcium it should harm chicks, roosters, and older birds.
We will have some articles coming soon on kitchen scraps and other snacks you can add to your flock’s menu. We’ll also talk about some things that definitely don’t need to be a part of the coop diet.
Until next time, happy tendering friends!
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