Poultry feed is a scientifically balanced diet designed to provide chickens with the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health, growth, and production. The correct feed depends on the bird's age and purpose, with different formulas and forms available to meet these needs. A comprehensive classification system helps farmers and backyard enthusiasts ensure their flock receives the best nutrition.
Classification by Life Stage
This is the most common way to categorize chicken feed, as a chicken's dietary needs change dramatically as it grows.
Starter Feed
Starter feed is a highly protein-dense diet formulated for baby chicks from hatching up to 6 weeks of age. The high protein content, typically 20-24%, supports the rapid growth of muscles and bones. It is often available in a fine, easily digestible mash or crumble form. It is crucial to switch chicks to a lower-protein grower feed at the appropriate time to prevent potential organ damage from excess protein. Some starter feeds are medicated with a coccidiostat to prevent coccidiosis, an intestinal parasite common in young chicks.
Grower Feed
After the initial 6 weeks, chickens are transitioned to a grower feed until they are about 20 weeks old, or just before they begin laying eggs. Grower feed contains a lower protein percentage (around 16-18%) and less calcium than layer feed, which is important for preventing kidney damage in developing birds. This formula supports steady, healthy growth without the excessive protein needed during the initial weeks.
Layer Feed
Once hens begin laying eggs, at approximately 20 weeks of age, their diet must switch to layer feed. This feed is formulated with the specific nutritional balance for egg production, featuring a high concentration of calcium (3.5–4%) for strong eggshells. It also contains 16-18% protein to support consistent egg production. Layer feed is unsuitable for younger chickens due to its high calcium content.
Broiler Feed
Broiler feed is specifically designed for chickens raised for meat. This feed has a higher energy density and is rich in protein to promote rapid weight gain. It is typically available in starter, grower, and finisher varieties to support fast growth at different stages, with finishers having a slightly lower protein but higher energy level.
Breeder Feed
This specialized diet is for mature chickens whose eggs are intended for hatching. Breeder feed is formulated with specific vitamins and minerals, including higher levels of Vitamin E, to promote fertility, strong eggs, and healthy chicks.
Classification by Physical Form
Chicken feed comes in several physical forms, influencing how chickens consume and digest their food.
Mash
Mash is the finest, unprocessed form of chicken feed, similar to potting soil in texture. It is highly digestible, making it ideal for baby chicks, and can be mixed with water to create a porridge-like consistency. However, its loose nature can lead to more waste.
Crumbles
Crumbles are a coarser, semi-processed version of mash, offering a texture reminiscent of oatmeal. This form is often used to transition chickens from mash to pellets, as it is easier to manage than mash and a good intermediate option. Crumbles are easier for chickens to eat and result in less waste than mash.
Pellets
Pellets are the most refined form of chicken feed, made by compressing the feed into small, hard cylinders. Pellets are the most convenient option, as they are less messy, reduce waste, and prevent chickens from picking out only their favorite ingredients. They are easy to store and are the most common form for grower and layer feeds.
Classification by Formula and Purpose
Beyond life stage, feeds are also distinguished by their specific formulation or purpose.
Complete vs. Supplemental Feed
A complete feed is a nutritionally balanced ration that provides all the essential nutrients a chicken needs without any other additions, except for clean water. Supplemental feeds, on the other hand, are additions to the diet, such as scratch grains, oyster shell for extra calcium, or grit to aid digestion. Over-supplementing with scratch grains or table scraps can throw a balanced diet out of proportion, negatively impacting performance.
Medicated vs. Unmedicated Feed
Medicated feeds contain an anticoccidial drug, such as amprolium, to help prevent coccidiosis in young, vulnerable chicks. This is typically used in starter and grower feeds. Unmedicated feed is free of these additives and is suitable for vaccinated chicks or for older chickens that have developed a natural immunity.
Organic Feed
Organic feed is produced from certified organic ingredients, processed without synthetic additives, pesticides, or GMOs. This category caters to farmers and consumers who prioritize natural and sustainable farming practices. Due to the higher cost of production, organic feed is typically more expensive than conventional feed.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Food
The ingredients that compose chicken feed are broadly classified into several groups to provide all the required nutrients.
- Cereal Grains: Provide the bulk of the energy from carbohydrates. Common examples include corn, wheat, barley, and sorghum.
- Protein Meals: Supply the essential amino acids for growth and tissue synthesis. These can come from plant sources like soybean meal or canola meal, and animal sources like fishmeal or meat and bone meal.
- Fats and Oils: Offer concentrated energy and essential fatty acids. Sources include soy oil and poultry fat.
- Minerals: Crucial for bone formation and bodily processes. Examples include calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals. A good source for understanding the role of feed ingredients is the Poultry Hub Australia article on Feed Ingredients.
- Vitamins: Organic compounds necessary for normal health and growth. They are typically added as a vitamin premix.
- Feed Additives: Non-nutritive ingredients used to improve feed intake, digestion, or health, such as enzymes, probiotics, or anticoccidial drugs.
Comparison of Major Chicken Feed Types
| Feed Type | Intended Age | Protein % | Calcium % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 0 to 6 weeks | 20-24% | Low (<1%) |
| Grower | 6 to 20 weeks | 16-18% | Low (<1%) |
| Layer | 20+ weeks (Laying) | 16-18% | High (3.5-4%) |
| Finisher (Broiler) | 4+ weeks (Meat) | ~15-19% | Low (<1%) |
Conclusion
In summary, chicken food is not a one-size-fits-all product. It is a highly specialized category of animal feed known as poultry feed, with classifications based on the chicken's age, its purpose for production (meat or eggs), its specific formula (complete, medicated, organic), and its physical consistency (mash, crumbles, or pellets). By understanding these classifications, chicken owners can make informed decisions to meet their flock's precise nutritional requirements, ensuring their birds remain healthy, productive, and well-fed throughout their lives.
