Poultry Feeds

The right poultry feed helps keep your flock growing, laying and ready for another day in the coop or out on pasture. Start by matching the feed to your birds’ species, age and purpose, since baby chicks, laying hens and meat birds have different nutritional needs. Chick starter feed supports early growth, while grower feed fits the next stage of development as directed on the feed label. Layer feed provides the calcium and other nutrients actively laying hens need for egg production and strong shells, but its higher calcium content makes it a poor fit for young chicks. For chickens raised for meat, follow a feeding program suited to their breed and growth stage. Ducks, geese and turkeys also need poultry feeds that meet their species-specific requirements, so check the label rather than assuming one chicken feed will suit every bird in the barnyard. A complete poultry ration should supply balanced nutrition for the birds and life stage listed on the bag. Feed form and daily feeding habits matter, too, whether you’re tending a small backyard flock or filling feeders for a larger group. Poultry feed may come as mash, crumbles or pellets, and the best fit depends on your birds’ size, age and feeding behavior. Crumbles offer smaller pieces that can be easier for young birds to eat, while appropriately sized pellets can help limit sorting at the feeder. Keep fresh drinking water available, position feeders to reduce spills and store feed in a dry, secure spot away from moisture and rodents. Chicken scratch, mealworms and other treats should make up only a small share of the diet so they don’t crowd out complete feed. Birds eating whole grains or forage may also need appropriately sized insoluble poultry grit to help grind food in the gizzard; oyster shell supplies calcium and does not replace grit. Follow feed-label directions for portions, transitions and any supplements, and keep an eye on appetite, body condition and egg production as your flock’s needs change through the seasons.