From Chicks to Hens: Tailoring Poultry Feed for Every Stage of Life

From Chicks to Hens: Tailoring Poultry Feed Through Life Stages

Raising chicks to chickens can be a productive and rewarding experience, though raising healthy poultry requires more than just giving them a bed and some poultry feed. It’s important to understand the unique nutritional needs of chicks at each stage of their growth. From the delicate early life stages after hatching from the egg to mature hens capable of laying eggs. Each phase requires an understanding of their dietary requirements that can impact their growth, egg production and overall well-being. 

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through poultry nutrition, offering insights on how to select the right feed for each life stage.

Nutritional foundations for chicks

Like with any newborn, the few weeks are crucial for establishing strong foundations for growth. At this stage feed for chicks is essential to ensure it includes a balanced diet of the key nutritional components as their bodies are rapidly developing and growing.

Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional components required:

Protein – Like us protein is a cornerstone in a chick’s diet. Chicks require a feed that contains approximately 18-20% protein during their first 6-8 weeks of life. Protein plays a vital role in the development of the chick from muscle growth to feather development and overall body formation. 

Essential Vitamins – The key vitamins to look out for are Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and B Vitamins. These vitamins are crucial for various stages of physiological growth such as immune system development, bone growth and metabolic processes such as energy metabolism and nerve functions.

Important Minerals – Like vitamins minerals are another essential component of a chick’s diet, contributing to bone development, enzyme function, and overall cellular health. The important minerals to look out for are Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Selenium. These minerals support bone and skeletal growth, activate enzymes, and protect cells.

Energy Sources – As highly active animals chicks need energy to keep them going and energy to sustain their growth and development. Carbohydrates, primarily from grains like corn or wheat, are the primary energy source feed for chicks. Fats, while present in smaller quantities, also provide essential fatty acids and contribute to energy levels

For a complete feed for chicks see our Chick Starter Micros pack.

Supporting Pullet Development

As chicks develop, they grow into pullets. A pullet is a young hen, especially one that is younger than one year old. During this stage, their nutritional needs begin to shift as they approach their egg-laying stage. This occurs typically between the ages of 8 – 20 weeks. At this stage of the chick’s development, you should begin to think about adjusting their diet to help support this growth.

Balanced Protein Levels – At this stage the reliance on protein can be slightly reduced typically to around 16-18%. This helps promote steady growth instead of excessive weight gain. 

Increased Calcium Intake – As the chicks grow into pullets their bodies prepare for egg production. During this phase, the intake of calcium should increase to help strengthen bones and build calcium reserve for strong eggshells. 

Continued Vitamin and mineral Support – Vitamins should continually be given but with an emphasis on vitamin D as this helps to aid calcium absorption for further egg-laying requirements. At this stage, a supplement like Battles Poultry Drink can be added to water to help ensure they’re getting the right minerals for development. 

Throughout this stage, it’s important to monitor the pullets and fine-tune the diet to ensure it provides enough energy for the chicks without causing obesity and sets the chick up for egg production. Our Poultry Growers Pellets are perfect for this stage of the chicken’s development and growth.

Nutrition for Laying Hens

Once pullets grow into mature hens and egg production becomes more demanding on the hen then their nutritional needs become more demanding. Transitioning to a layer of poultry feed is crucial. 

Focus on these points:

1. Increased Calcium: Calcium is the most critical nutrient for laying hens, as it is directly responsible for the formation of strong, healthy eggshells. A typical layer feed should contain around 3.5-4.5% calcium, significantly higher than the needs of younger birds.

2. Balanced Protein Levels: Protein remains important, though the requirement isn’t as high as for growing chicks or pullets. A protein content of about 16-18% in layer feed is ideal, supporting egg production and the maintenance of healthy feathers and muscles. This balance ensures that hens have the necessary amino acids for producing eggs without overloading their systems.

3. Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Laying hens requires a well-rounded intake of vitamins and minerals to sustain egg production and overall health. Key nutrients include:

Vitamin D: Vital for calcium absorption, directly impacting eggshell strength and bone health.

Vitamin A: Supports reproductive health and egg quality.

Vitamin E and Selenium: Act as antioxidants, protecting the hens’ cells and ensuring high-quality eggs.

Phosphorus: Works with calcium to support eggshell formation and bone strength.

You add products like Battles Poultry Spice to the poultry feed to help increase the consumption of essential minerals and help promote healthy egg production.

4. Supplements for Optimal Egg Production: Supplements can further enhance egg production and quality. Oyster shell or limestone is often a popular choice supplement to provide additional calcium. Poultry Grit may also be provided to aid digestion, especially if hens are given access to whole grains or free-range foraging. If gut vitality is of particular concern, then you can use Verm-x original liquid to help.

5. Choosing the Right Layer Feed: When selecting a layer feed, look for a product specifically formulated for laying hens – Range Layers Pellets is perfect, with the appropriate balance of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. 

When selecting the right poultry feed for laying hens it’s important to centre the choice of feed around consistent egg production and maintaining the health of the hen. 

Feeding Practices for Broilers

If you’re raising broilers, or chickens meant for meat production then this will require a different feeding regime. In this case, the chickens are often not raised for eggs meaning the diet should focus on maximum weight gain.

High Protein Content – Broilers will require a much higher protein content in their food to ensure maximum muscle development. In the early stage – up to around 6 weeks – broiler feed should contain around 24-26% protein. 

Energy-Dense Diet – In addition to the high protein in the feed carbohydrates from grains like corn or wheat provide the bulk of energy. Fats also play a role, offering a concentrated energy source that supports efficient weight gain without requiring large feed volumes.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals – As with the other chicks’ vitamins and minerals will be essential to support rapid growth.

Feeding Stages – Chickens bred for food are typically fed in stages to match their growth rate:

Starter Feed: Given from day one to around 3 weeks, this feed is high in protein (20-24%) and provides the essential nutrients needed for rapid initial growth.

Grower Feed: Transitioned after the starter phase, this feed has slightly less protein but is still rich in energy to continue supporting growth.

Finisher Feed: As broilers approach market weight (around 6-8 weeks), the protein content may be reduced further (16-18%) while maintaining high energy levels to promote final weight gain and proper fat distribution.

Practical Feeding Tips Across Life Stages

Understanding your poultry’s needs is essential for their development and growth. Here are some key feeding tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Chicks: Building a Strong Foundation

Key Takeaways: Chicks need high protein (18-20%) for rapid growth, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Practical Tips: Start chicks on a specialised starter feed like baby chick crumbs designed for their high protein needs. Ensure constant access to clean water to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid feeding chicks adult layer feed, as it contains too much calcium and not enough protein, which can harm their development.

Pullets: Preparing for Egg-Laying

Key Takeaways: As chicks mature into pullets, reduce protein slightly (16-18%) and gradually increase calcium to prepare for egg production.

Practical Tips: Transition to a grower feed around 8 weeks, and consider introducing calcium supplements as pullets near laying age.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t introduce layer feed too early; excessive calcium before pullets are ready to lay can damage their kidneys.

Laying Hens: Supporting Egg Production

Key Takeaways: Laying hens require high calcium (3.5-4.5%) for eggshell production and balanced nutrients to maintain health and productivity.

Practical Tips: Switch to a layer feed around 18-20 weeks, ensuring it contains the necessary calcium, protein (16-18%), and vitamins. Offer oyster shell or limestone supplements for additional calcium as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Failing to provide enough calcium can lead to weak eggshells and health issues. Ensure water is always available, as hydration is crucial for egg production.

Broilers: Maximising Growth

Key Takeaways: Broilers need high protein (20-24%) and energy-dense feeds to support rapid muscle growth.

Practical Tips: Start with a high-protein starter feed, then transition to grower and finisher feeds as they approach market weight. Feed continuously, especially in the early stages, to promote growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overfeeding as broilers near finishing; excess weight can lead to health issues and affect meat quality.

Throughout feeding ensure you provide enough food to meet your birds’ needs without wasting food or overfeeding. Continually adjust portions based on activity levels, age and the goals of your poultry. 

Get the right feed for your Poultry

At Gladwell’s Pet, we offer a wide range of high-quality poultry feeds, poultry grits, treats and poultry health supplements tailored to meet the specific needs of your hens at each stage of their growth. Browse our selection online or get in touch with our expert team either online or in our country stores for advice on choosing the best feed for your birds.

Shop our poultry feeds today and give your chickens the nourishment they need to thrive!