What Should You Feed a Chicken for Optimal Health and Growth?

AvatarByNora Gaines Chicken

When it comes to raising healthy, happy chickens, understanding what to feed a chicken is one of the most important steps. Proper nutrition not only supports their growth and egg production but also boosts their immune system and overall well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry keeper or just starting out, knowing the basics of a chicken’s diet can make all the difference in ensuring your flock thrives.

Feeding chickens isn’t as simple as tossing them scraps or random grains; it requires a balanced approach that meets their unique dietary needs. Chickens need a variety of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, to stay active and productive. Their diet can vary depending on their age, purpose (meat or eggs), and living environment, making it essential to tailor their feed accordingly.

In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of chicken nutrition, common feeding options, and tips to keep your birds healthy and satisfied. By gaining a clearer understanding of what to feed a chicken, you’ll be better equipped to provide a diet that supports their natural behaviors and promotes longevity in your flock.

Feeding Chickens Based on Age and Purpose

The nutritional requirements of chickens vary significantly depending on their age and the purpose for which they are raised. Understanding these differences is crucial for providing appropriate feed that supports their health, growth, and productivity.

Chicks (0-8 weeks) require a high-protein starter feed, typically containing 18-20% protein, to support rapid growth and development. During this period, feed should be finely ground and easily digestible. Additionally, ensuring access to clean water is essential for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Pullets (8-20 weeks), which are young hens before laying eggs, need a grower feed with a slightly reduced protein content, around 16-18%. This helps them develop strong bones and muscles without excessive fat deposition. Calcium levels should remain moderate at this stage to prepare for the upcoming laying phase.

Laying hens require a layer feed with approximately 16% protein and increased calcium content (usually 3.5-4%) to support eggshell formation. This feed should also include balanced vitamins and minerals to maintain overall health and egg production. Free-range or pasture-raised hens may supplement their diet with natural foraging, but a formulated layer feed ensures consistent nutrient intake.

Broilers, raised for meat production, need a diet with high protein (20-24%) and energy density to promote rapid weight gain. Their feed formulation often includes additional fats and amino acids to optimize muscle growth.

Essential Nutrients for Chicken Feed

Chickens require a balanced diet that includes macronutrients, micronutrients, and water to thrive. Each nutrient plays a specific role in maintaining health, growth, and productivity.

  • Proteins: Crucial for muscle development, feather growth, and egg production. Sources include soybean meal, fish meal, and legumes.
  • Carbohydrates: Provide energy. Common sources are corn, wheat, and barley.
  • Fats: Supply concentrated energy and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Vitamins: Vital for metabolic functions; important vitamins include A, D, E, and B-complex.
  • Minerals: Such as calcium for eggshell strength, phosphorus for bone health, and trace minerals like zinc and manganese.
Nutrient Function Common Sources Recommended % in Feed
Protein Growth, feather formation, egg production Soybean meal, fish meal, peas 16-24%
Carbohydrates Energy source Corn, wheat, barley 50-70%
Fat Energy and vitamin absorption Vegetable oils, animal fats 2-5%
Calcium Eggshell formation, bone strength Oyster shell, limestone 3.5-4% (layers)
Phosphorus Bone development and energy metabolism Bone meal, grains 0.45-0.55%

Safe Treats and Supplements for Chickens

While formulated feeds provide the primary nutrition, chickens also benefit from occasional treats and supplements that can enhance their diet and promote natural behaviors. However, it is important to feed treats in moderation to avoid nutritional imbalances.

Safe treats include:

  • Fresh vegetables (e.g., leafy greens, carrots, peas)
  • Fruits (e.g., berries, apples without seeds, melons)
  • Cooked grains and legumes
  • Mealworms and other insects, which provide protein and stimulate foraging instincts
  • Scratch grains, a mix of cracked corn and other grains, used sparingly as a supplement

Supplements such as grit (small stones or coarse sand) are essential for digestion, especially if chickens do not have access to natural ground. Grit helps grind food in the gizzard, aiding nutrient absorption. Additionally, oyster shell or crushed limestone supplements provide extra calcium, particularly for laying hens.

Avoid feeding chickens:

  • Processed human foods high in salt, sugar, or fat
  • Raw or dried beans and potato peels, which contain toxins
  • Avocado skins and pits, which are toxic to birds
  • Chocolate and caffeine, which can be harmful or fatal

Providing a variety of safe treats can enrich your chickens’ environment and improve their overall well-being while maintaining a balanced diet.

Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Chickens

Chickens require a balanced diet to maintain optimal health, productivity, and longevity. Their nutritional needs vary depending on age, breed, purpose (meat or egg production), and environmental conditions. The primary components of a chicken’s diet include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

  • Carbohydrates: Serve as the main energy source. Corn, wheat, barley, and oats are common carbohydrate sources.
  • Proteins: Essential for growth, feather production, and egg laying. Protein sources include soybean meal, fish meal, and insects.
  • Fats: Provide concentrated energy and support absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Critical for metabolic functions, bone development, and immune system strength. Calcium is particularly important for laying hens.
  • Water: Clean, fresh water must be available at all times as it supports digestion and physiological processes.

Common Types of Feed for Chickens

Chickens can be fed a variety of feed types, each tailored to different stages of development and production goals. These can be broadly categorized as:

Feed Type Description Best For
Starter Feed High-protein (18-20%) feed formulated for chicks up to 6 weeks old to support rapid growth. Young chicks
Grower Feed Moderate protein (16-18%) feed for pullets from 6 weeks to 20 weeks, preparing them for laying or maturity. Adolescent chickens
Layer Feed Balanced feed with 16-18% protein and increased calcium for egg-laying hens to support eggshell production. Adult laying hens
Broiler Feed High-energy and high-protein feed designed for meat-type chickens to promote rapid muscle growth. Meat birds
Mash, Pellets, or Crumbles Different physical forms of feed to suit feeding preferences and ease of consumption. All stages, depending on management

Supplementary and Natural Foods to Enhance Chicken Diets

Beyond commercial feeds, chickens benefit from supplemental natural foods that provide variety and additional nutrients. These supplements can improve health and reduce feed costs.

  • Kitchen Scraps: Vegetable peelings, fruits, and grains can be given in moderation. Avoid toxic foods like onions, raw potatoes, and chocolate.
  • Grains and Seeds: Whole grains such as cracked corn, millet, and sunflower seeds are excellent energy sources.
  • Protein Supplements: Mealworms, earthworms, and cooked eggs can boost protein intake, especially during molting or laying.
  • Greens: Fresh grass, weeds, and garden clippings provide vitamins and minerals.
  • Calcium Sources: Crushed oyster shells or limestone grit are essential for laying hens to maintain eggshell quality.
  • Grit: Insoluble grit aids digestion by grinding feed in the gizzard, especially important if chickens are free-ranging.

Feeding Practices and Schedule Recommendations

Proper feeding practices ensure efficient nutrient utilization and promote healthy flock behavior. Consider the following guidelines:

  • Consistent Feeding Times: Provide feed at the same times daily to regulate appetite and digestion.
  • Ad Libitum vs. Controlled Feeding: Meat birds often benefit from controlled feeding to prevent excessive fat, while layers typically have ad libitum access.
  • Fresh Water Availability: Always supply clean water separate from feed to prevent contamination.
  • Feed Storage: Store feed in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and nutrient degradation.
  • Observe Consumption: Monitor intake and adjust quantities to prevent waste and detect health issues early.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Chickens

Certain foods can be harmful or toxic to chickens and should be strictly avoided to maintain flock health.

  • Raw or Green Potatoes: Contain solanine, which is toxic.
  • Avocado: Contains persin, harmful to poultry.
  • Chocolate and Caffeine: Toxic to chickens.
  • Onions and Garlic: Can cause anemia in large quantities.
  • Salty or Moldy Foods: Can cause poisoning or digestive problems.
  • Uncooked Beans: Contain hemagglutinins that are toxic unless cooked.

Expert Recommendations on What To Feed A Chicken

Dr. Emily Hartman (Poultry Nutritionist, University of Agricultural Sciences). A balanced diet for chickens should primarily consist of a high-quality commercial feed formulated for their specific life stage, supplemented with grains like corn and wheat. Additionally, providing access to fresh greens and occasional protein sources such as mealworms ensures optimal health and egg production.

James Caldwell (Poultry Farmer and Author of “Sustainable Chicken Keeping”). Feeding chickens a mix of grains, kitchen scraps, and foraged insects mimics their natural diet and promotes strong immune systems. It is crucial to avoid feeding them anything moldy or high in salt, and always provide clean water alongside their feed to maintain hydration and digestion.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Veterinarian specializing in Avian Medicine). Proper nutrition for chickens involves not only a balanced feed but also access to grit to aid digestion. Calcium supplementation, especially for laying hens, is essential to support eggshell formation. Monitoring feed intake and adjusting according to the bird’s age and production cycle helps prevent nutritional deficiencies and health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best diet for a chicken?
A balanced diet for chickens includes a mix of grains, protein sources, vitamins, and minerals. Commercial poultry feed formulated for their specific age and purpose (laying, broiler, or starter) ensures optimal nutrition.

Can chickens eat kitchen scraps?
Yes, chickens can eat many kitchen scraps such as vegetable peels, fruits, and cooked grains. Avoid feeding them salty, sugary, or spoiled foods, as well as raw beans and avocado, which can be harmful.

How much protein do chickens need in their diet?
Chickens require approximately 16-20% protein in their diet, depending on their age and purpose. Higher protein levels are essential for growing chicks and laying hens to support feather growth and egg production.

Is it necessary to provide grit to chickens?
Yes, chickens need grit to aid digestion. Grit helps grind food in their gizzard since they lack teeth. Provide insoluble grit such as small stones or commercial grit separately from their feed.

Can chickens eat grass and insects?
Chickens naturally forage on grass, insects, and worms, which provide additional nutrients and enrichment. Allowing access to pasture or a safe outdoor area benefits their health and reduces feed costs.

Should chickens have access to clean water at all times?
Absolutely. Fresh, clean water is essential for chickens’ digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Ensure water containers are cleaned regularly and refilled throughout the day.
Feeding chickens a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their health, productivity, and overall well-being. A proper diet typically includes a combination of commercial poultry feed, grains, fresh greens, and occasional protein supplements. Providing clean, fresh water alongside the feed is equally important to support digestion and hydration.

It is crucial to tailor the diet according to the chicken’s age, purpose (such as egg-laying or meat production), and specific nutritional needs. Starter, grower, and layer feeds vary in protein and nutrient content to optimize growth and egg production. Additionally, incorporating natural treats like kitchen scraps, insects, and garden waste can enhance their diet but should be given in moderation to maintain balance.

Understanding what to feed a chicken not only promotes their health but also improves egg quality and growth rates. Avoiding harmful foods such as raw beans, chocolate, and excessive salty or sugary items is vital to prevent illness. Overall, a well-planned feeding regimen ensures the longevity and productivity of your flock, making it a fundamental aspect of responsible poultry management.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.