Feeding chickens correctly is one of the most important aspects of poultry farming. Whether you are raising egg-laying hens or meat chickens (broilers), understanding what chickens eat, when to feed them, and how to balance nutrition directly affects their growth, health, and productivity.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about chicken nutrition, feed types, feeding schedules, supplements, and diet planning for both backyard flocks and commercial poultry.
Table of Contents
- What Did Chickens Eat Before Commercial Feed?
- What Should Chickens Eat for Optimal Health?
- Types of Chicken Feed (Starter, Grower, Layer Feed)
- Oyster Shells and Calcium Supplementation
- Medicated vs Non-Medicated Chicken Feed
- Chicken Grit: Why It Is Important
- Forms of Chicken Feed
- Chicken Scratch Feed
- Feeding Meat Chickens (Broilers) vs Layer Chickens
- How Much Feed Do Chickens Need?
- Foods Chickens Can Eat
- Foods Chickens Should Avoid
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Chickens
- Conclusion
What Did Chickens Eat Before Commercial Feed?
Before the development of commercial poultry feed, chickens were raised in a free-range system and survived mainly on natural food sources found in their environment.
Historically, chickens fed on:
- Insects, worms, and larvae found in soil
- Seeds, grains, and wild plants
- Food scraps from households and farms
- Manure insects from livestock areas
Although this natural diet provided variety, it was often nutritionally unbalanced, leading to inconsistent growth and high mortality rates, especially during extreme weather conditions.
The introduction of vitamins (especially Vitamin D in the early 20th century) significantly improved chicken survival, egg production, and overall flock health.
What Should Chickens Eat for Optimal Health?
A balanced chicken diet must include essential nutrients required for growth, egg production, and immunity. Modern poultry nutrition is based on the following core components:
- Protein – muscle development and egg production
- Carbohydrates – energy source
- Fats – energy storage and body function
- Vitamins – immunity and metabolic health
- Minerals – bone strength and eggshell formation
- Amino acids – tissue development and growth
Proper nutrition ensures faster growth in broilers and consistent egg production in laying hens.
Types of Chicken Feed (Starter, Grower, Layer Feed)
Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks)
Starter feed is formulated for newly hatched chicks and contains high protein levels to support early growth.
- Broiler chicks: ~22% protein
- Layer chicks: 18–20% protein
This stage is critical for bone development, immunity, and early survival.
Grower Feed (6–16 Weeks)
Grower feed supports steady development as chicks transition into juvenile chickens.
- Protein level: 15–16%
- Lower calcium than layer feed
At this stage, chickens can also be introduced to vegetables, grains, and natural treats in moderation.
Layer Feed (16–24 Weeks and Above)
Layer feed is specifically designed for hens that are actively producing eggs.
- Protein level: ~16%
- High calcium for strong eggshell formation
Calcium intake is essential for preventing weak eggshells and maintaining bone health in laying hens.
Oyster Shells and Calcium Supplementation
Oyster shells are one of the best natural sources of calcium for laying hens, containing up to 95% calcium carbonate.
Benefits include:
- Stronger eggshells
- Improved egg production quality
- Prevention of calcium deficiency
Signs of calcium deficiency include weak legs, poor eggshell quality, and reduced egg production.
Medicated vs Non-Medicated Chicken Feed
Medicated feed typically contains Amprolium, which helps prevent coccidiosis, a common intestinal disease in chickens.
If chicks are already vaccinated, medicated feed may not always be necessary. Always follow vaccination history before choosing feed type.
Chicken Grit: Why It Is Important
Chicken grit consists of small stones that help chickens digest food in the gizzard.
Since chickens do not have teeth, grit is essential for:
- Grinding hard grains and seeds
- Improving digestion efficiency
Chicks do not require grit until they start consuming harder foods.
Forms of Chicken Feed
Mash Feed
Finely ground feed that is easy to digest, especially for chicks.
Pellets
Compressed feed that reduces waste and is ideal for adult chickens.
Crumbles
Broken pellets that are suitable for transitioning chicks and young hens.
Chicken Scratch Feed
Chicken scratch is a mix of grains such as corn and wheat. It is not a complete feed and should only be used as a supplement.
- Provides energy only
- No complete nutritional profile
- Should not exceed 10% of diet
Feeding Meat Chickens (Broilers) vs Layer Chickens
Broilers require higher protein diets for rapid growth, while layers require balanced nutrition for consistent egg production.
- Broilers: 22% starter protein, fast growth (6–8 weeks market weight)
- Layers: Lower protein, higher calcium for eggs
Broilers focus on weight gain, while layers focus on sustained production.
How Much Feed Do Chickens Need?
On average, adult chickens consume approximately 120 grams of feed per day, depending on breed, size, and activity level.
Feeding recommendations:
- Feed twice daily (morning and evening)
- Ensure constant access to clean water
- Avoid moldy or spoiled feed
Foods Chickens Can Eat
- Fruits (apple, banana, berries, watermelon)
- Vegetables (carrots, cucumber, spinach)
- Grains (corn, rice, wheat)
- Protein sources (fish, cooked eggs)
Foods Chickens Should Avoid
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Avocado
- Onions and garlic in large amounts
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Salty or processed foods
Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Chickens
Chickens require a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
- Vitamins: A, B-complex, D, E, K
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium
Conclusion
Proper chicken feeding is the foundation of successful poultry farming. Whether you are raising chickens for eggs or meat, understanding feed types, nutritional requirements, and feeding schedules ensures healthier birds and higher productivity.
A well-managed feeding system leads to stronger immunity, better growth rates, and consistent egg production across your flock.
