Choosing the Right Poultry Feed by Life Stage

Why Life Stage Feeding Matters

Poultry have very different nutritional requirements depending on their age, purpose, and species. Feeding the wrong ration — even a high-quality one — at the wrong life stage can cause poor growth, reduced egg production, skeletal problems, or even toxicity. Getting the feed right from day one pays dividends in bird health, productivity, and feed conversion.

Chicks: Day 1 to 6 Weeks

Newly hatched chicks need a high-protein, finely milled feed to support rapid early growth and feather development.

• Feed type: Chick crumbs (also called starter crumbs) — typically 18–20% protein
• Form: Fine crumble, easy for small beaks to pick up
• Key nutrients: High protein for muscle and feather growth; added vitamins and minerals for immune development
• Coccidiosis: Many chick crumbs contain a coccidiostat — important for birds on litter. If you are using a live coccidiosis vaccine, use a coccidiostat-free feed instead.
• Grit: Insoluble chick grit should be available from day 1 if feeding anything other than a complete crumb
• Water: Fresh, clean water at all times — chicks dehydrate quickly

Growers: 6 to 16 Weeks

As chicks feather up and grow, their protein requirement drops slightly and energy needs increase.

• Feed type: Grower pellets or mash — typically 15–17% protein
• Do not feed layer pellets at this stage — the high calcium content is harmful to young kidneys and can cause permanent damage
• Transition gradually: Mix grower feed with chick crumbs over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset
• Broilers vs. layers: Broiler growers are higher in energy and protein to support rapid meat development; layer growers are more moderate

Point of Lay Pullets: 16 to 18 Weeks

As pullets approach laying age, their calcium requirements begin to increase in preparation for eggshell formation.

• Feed type: Some producers use a specific pullet developer or pre-layer feed at this stage
• Transition to layers: Begin introducing layer pellets at around 18 weeks, or when the first egg is laid — whichever comes first
• Do not rush the transition: Introducing high-calcium layer feed too early stresses the kidneys

Laying Hens: 18 Weeks Onwards

Laying hens have the highest calcium requirement of any life stage — each egg requires around 2g of calcium for the shell.

• Feed type: Layer pellets or layer mash — typically 15–17% protein, 3.5–4% calcium
• Pellets vs. mash: Pellets reduce waste and selective feeding; mash is often preferred by birds but can lead to more wastage
• Oyster shell: Offer free-choice oyster shell or limestone grit alongside layer feed to support shell quality, especially in high-producing or older hens
• Free-range hens: May supplement their diet with insects and vegetation at pasture, but should still have ad-lib access to a balanced layer ration
• Moulting hens: During the moult, switch to a higher-protein feed (or add a protein supplement) to support feather regrowth

Broilers & Meat Birds

Broilers are bred for rapid growth and have specific high-energy, high-protein requirements throughout their short lives.

• Starter (0–2 weeks): Broiler starter crumbs, 22–24% protein
• Grower (2–4 weeks): Broiler grower pellets, 20–22% protein
• Finisher (4 weeks to slaughter): Broiler finisher, 18–20% protein — lower protein, higher energy to promote fat deposition and finish
• Avoid overfeeding in the final week — it can cause leg problems in fast-growing breeds

Ducks & Waterfowl

• Ducks can be fed on chick crumbs and grower/layer rations but should not have feeds containing a coccidiostat — it can be harmful to waterfowl
• Ducks need access to water deep enough to submerge their bills when eating — this is essential for clearing their nostrils
• Laying ducks have similar calcium requirements to chickens — layer pellets are suitable
• Avoid medicated feeds designed specifically for chickens unless confirmed safe for waterfowl

Turkeys

• Turkey poults need a higher protein starter than chickens — look for turkey starter at 26–28% protein
• Standard chick crumbs are not sufficient for turkey poults and will result in poor growth and high mortality
• Turkeys are prone to blackhead disease (histomoniasis) — avoid housing with chickens where possible
• Finishing turkeys benefit from a high-energy finisher ration in the last 4–6 weeks

General Feeding Tips

• Store feed in a cool, dry, vermin-proof container — damp or contaminated feed causes mycotoxin problems
• Check best-before dates — vitamins degrade over time
• Provide insoluble grit at all life stages for birds with access to whole grain or foraging
• Weigh birds regularly to check growth rates are on track

Browse our full Chicken Feed, Poultry Feed & Poultry Supplies range to find the right feed for your flock at every stage.