Chicken feed changes with age because a growing bird and a laying hen need different things. Here's the simple version.
The age chart
- Day 1 to about week 8 — Chick starter. Higher protein for fast growth. Usually crumbles. Many starters are labeled "starter/grower" and work all the way to laying.
- About weeks 8 to 16 — Grower (or keep going on starter/grower).
- About week 18 or first egg — Layer feed. Adds calcium for eggshells.
Why not switch early?
The extra calcium in layer feed is more than growing pullets can use and can strain their kidneys. Wait until the first egg or about 18 weeks.
Mixed-age flocks
If you have hens and young birds together, a lot of keepers feed an all-flock or grower ration to everyone and put oyster shell out free choice for the layers.
Medicated or not?
Medicated chick starter helps prevent coccidiosis. If your chicks were vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery, use non-medicated. Ask us if you're not sure.