Proper nutrition is the foundation of chicken health, affecting everything from egg production to disease resistance. Understanding nutritional needs, feed types, and feeding strategies ensures your flock reaches its full potential while staying healthy and productive.
Nutrition Fundamentals
Protein: 16-18% for layers, 20-24% for chicks and molting birds
Calcium: 3-4% for laying hens, available free-choice
Water: 2-3 times more water than feed consumed
Feed quality: Fresh, properly stored, appropriate for life stage
Understanding Chicken Nutritional Needs
Macronutrients
Protein Requirements
- Chicks (0-8 weeks): 20-24% protein for rapid growth
- Growers (8-18 weeks): 16-18% protein for development
- Layers (18+ weeks): 16-18% protein for maintenance and egg production
- Molting birds: 18-20% protein for feather regrowth
- Roosters: 14-16% protein for maintenance only
Essential Amino Acids
- Lysine: Critical for feather development and egg production
- Methionine: Supports feather quality and egg size
- Tryptophan: Important for growth and egg production
- Threonine: Supports immune function and growth
Carbohydrates and Energy
- Energy requirements: 2,800-3,200 kcal/kg feed for layers
- Sources: Corn, wheat, barley, rice bran
- Function: Primary energy for daily activities and production
- Balance: Must balance with protein for optimal feed conversion
Fats and Essential Fatty Acids
- Requirement: 3-5% of diet for optimal health
- Benefits: Energy density, vitamin absorption, egg yolk quality
- Sources: Vegetable oils, animal fats, seeds
- Omega-3s: Improve egg nutritional profile
Micronutrients
Critical Minerals
- Calcium: 3-4% for layers, 1% for non-layers
- Phosphorus: 0.6-0.8%, balanced with calcium
- Sodium: 0.15-0.25% for electrolyte balance
- Iron: 60-80mg/kg for blood formation
- Zinc: 40-100mg/kg for feather development
Essential Vitamins
- Vitamin A: 4,000-8,000 IU/kg for immune function
- Vitamin D3: 1,000-2,500 IU/kg for calcium absorption
- Vitamin E: 10-30 IU/kg as antioxidant
- B-complex vitamins: Support metabolism and nervous system
Feed Types and Selection
Commercial Feed Options
Starter Feed (0-8 weeks)
- Protein content: 20-24% for rapid growth
- Form: Crumbles for easy consumption
- Medication: May contain coccidiostat for disease prevention
- Feeding: Free-choice, always available
Grower Feed (8-18 weeks)
- Protein content: 16-18% for continued development
- Lower calcium: Prevents kidney damage in young birds
- Transition: Gradual change from starter over 7-10 days
- Duration: Until point of lay (first egg)
Layer Feed (18+ weeks)
- Protein content: 16-18% for maintenance and production
- High calcium: 3-4% for strong eggshells
- Forms available: Pellets, crumbles, mash
- Feeding: Free-choice with supplemental calcium
Organic vs. Conventional Feed
| Aspect | Conventional Feed | Organic Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15-18 per 50lb bag | $22-28 per 50lb bag |
| Ingredients | Conventional grains, may include GMOs | Certified organic, non-GMO |
| Medications | May include preventive medications | No medications or antibiotics |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited availability, may need ordering |
Specialty Feeds
High-Protein Feeds
- Game bird feed: 24-28% protein for rapid growth
- Meat bird feed: 20-22% protein for broilers
- Molt support: 18-20% protein during feather replacement
All-Natural and Non-GMO Options
- Non-GMO feeds: No genetically modified ingredients
- Soy-free options: For birds with soy sensitivities
- Corn-free feeds: Alternative grains for allergies
Feeding Schedules and Management
Daily Feeding Amounts
Feed Consumption by Age
- Chicks (0-8 weeks): 1-2 pounds per bird total
- Growers (8-18 weeks): 8-10 pounds per bird total
- Laying hens: 0.25-0.33 pounds per bird daily
- Roosters: 0.2-0.25 pounds per bird daily
Feeding Schedule Options
- Free-choice feeding: Feed always available (recommended)
- Restricted feeding: Limited amounts at specific times
- Split feeding: Morning and evening portions
- Seasonal adjustments: More feed in winter, less in summer
Water Requirements
- Daily consumption: 2-3 times feed weight consumed
- Quality: Clean, fresh, free from contaminants
- Temperature: 50-60°F optimal, prevent freezing
- Access: Multiple sources, always available
Treats and Supplements
Healthy Treat Options
Vegetable Treats (10% of diet maximum)
- Dark leafy greens: Kale, spinach, chard - high in vitamins
- Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, turnips - energy and fiber
- Squash family: Pumpkin, zucchini - vitamins and moisture
- Herbs: Parsley, oregano, thyme - natural health benefits
Protein-Rich Treats
- Mealworms: Dried or live, excellent protein source
- Crickets: High protein, natural foraging behavior
- Scrambled eggs: Complete protein, occasional treat
- Fish: Cooked fish scraps, omega-3 fatty acids
Grains and Seeds
- Scratch grains: Corn, wheat, barley mix - evening treat
- Sunflower seeds: Healthy fats, vitamin E
- Pumpkin seeds: Natural dewormer properties
- Oats: Whole or steel-cut, good fiber source
Foods to Avoid
- Chocolate: Toxic theobromine content
- Avocado: Persin toxin dangerous to birds
- Onions and garlic: Large amounts can cause anemia
- Raw beans: Contain lectins toxic to chickens
- Moldy foods: Mycotoxins cause serious illness
- High-salt foods: Can cause salt poisoning
Life Stage Nutrition
Chick Nutrition (0-8 weeks)
- Starter feed: 20-24% protein, medicated or unmedicated
- Feed form: Fine crumbles for easy consumption
- Feeding frequency: Always available, check multiple times daily
- Water: Shallow containers to prevent drowning
- Supplements: Electrolytes during stress, probiotics for gut health
Pullet Nutrition (8-18 weeks)
- Grower feed: 16-18% protein, lower calcium
- Transition period: Gradual change from starter feed
- Development focus: Frame growth, not reproductive development
- Body weight monitoring: Ensure proper growth rates
Layer Nutrition (18+ weeks)
- Layer feed: 16-18% protein, 3-4% calcium
- Free-choice calcium: Oyster shell always available
- Consistent feeding: Same feed, same schedule
- Production monitoring: Adjust feed based on laying rates
Molting Nutrition
- Higher protein: 18-20% during feather replacement
- Reduced calcium: Lower needs when not laying
- Amino acid support: Methionine and lysine for feathers
- Duration: 8-16 weeks depending on individual birds
Seasonal Feeding Adjustments
Winter Feeding
- Increased calories: 10-15% more feed for energy
- Warm water: Prevent freezing, encourage consumption
- Evening treats: High-energy corn before roost time
- Fat supplements: Sunflower seeds, suet for energy
Summer Feeding
- Fresh water: Multiple sources, keep cool
- Reduced appetite: Normal response to heat
- Electrolyte support: During extreme heat periods
- Cooling treats: Frozen fruits, ice blocks
Breeding Season
- Breeder feed: Higher protein (18-20%) for fertility
- Vitamin E: Supports reproductive health
- Rooster nutrition: Maintain condition without excess weight
- Hen condition: Proper weight for good egg production
Feed Storage and Quality
Proper Storage Methods
- Airtight containers: Metal or food-grade plastic
- Cool, dry location: Away from heat and moisture
- Rodent protection: Secure lids, elevated storage
- FIFO rotation: First in, first out to maintain freshness
Quality Indicators
- Fresh smell: Pleasant, grain-like aroma
- Consistent texture: No clumping or dust
- No mold: Check regularly for fungal growth
- Expiration dates: Use within 6 months of milling
Common Nutritional Problems
Protein Deficiency
- Symptoms: Poor feather quality, reduced egg production
- Causes: Low-protein feed, too many treats
- Solutions: Higher protein feed, reduce treats to under 10%
Calcium Issues
- Deficiency signs: Soft-shelled eggs, leg weakness
- Excess symptoms: Kidney problems, reduced other mineral absorption
- Balance: Free-choice oyster shell, proper feed calcium levels
Vitamin Deficiencies
- Vitamin A: Respiratory issues, poor egg quality
- Vitamin D: Soft bones, poor calcium absorption
- B vitamins: Nervous system problems, poor growth
Feed Conversion and Efficiency
Measuring Performance
- Feed conversion ratio: Pounds of feed per dozen eggs
- Typical ratios: 3.5-4.5 pounds feed per dozen eggs
- Factors affecting efficiency: Breed, age, health, environment
Improving Efficiency
- Quality feed: High digestibility, balanced nutrition
- Reduce waste: Proper feeders, limit treats
- Optimal environment: Reduce stress factors
- Health management: Prevent disease, maintain body condition
Budget-Friendly Nutrition
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Buy in bulk: 50-100 pound bags reduce per-pound cost
- Co-op purchasing: Group orders with other chicken keepers
- Seasonal buying: Purchase feed during harvest season
- Store brands: Often same quality as name brands
Supplement with Free Resources
- Kitchen scraps: Vegetable trimmings within 10% limit
- Garden surplus: Excess vegetables and herbs
- Foraging areas: Allow natural insect and plant consumption
- Compost areas: Supervised access to composting materials
Monitoring Nutritional Success
Production Indicators
- Egg production: 250-300 eggs per hen annually
- Egg quality: Strong shells, consistent size, good internal quality
- Feed conversion: Efficient use of feed for production
Health Indicators
- Body condition: Proper weight, good muscle development
- Feather quality: Shiny, complete feather coverage
- Energy levels: Active, alert behavior
- Disease resistance: Fewer health problems
Proper nutrition forms the foundation of successful chicken keeping. By understanding nutritional needs, selecting appropriate feeds, and monitoring your flock's health and production, you can ensure optimal performance and long-term success.
Remember that nutrition works synergistically with housing, health management, and environmental factors. A well-fed chicken in a stressful environment will not perform optimally, just as a chicken in perfect conditions cannot thrive on poor nutrition.
Continue Learning
Expand your chicken health knowledge with our guides on vitamins and supplements, stress management, and feed and health product reviews.