Guide on How Feed Chickens for A Healthy Flock

Inside: A well-fed chicken is a healthy chicken, and knowing what to feed chickens is the first step toward proper nutrition.

Feeding your backyard chickens the right way is one of the most important steps in raising a happy, healthy flock. Whether you’re collecting fresh eggs daily or raising meat chickens, knowing how to feed chickens properly ensures strong immune systems, great egg production, and overall well-being.

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Guide on How Feed Chickens for A Healthy Flock

A balanced diet is essential to meet the nutritional needs of your flock. Let’s dive into the best way to provide food that supports healthy chickens year-round.

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Guide on How Feed Chickens for A Healthy Flock

Types of Commercial Feed for Chickens

Using commercial chicken feed is the most reliable way to ensure your flock gets a nutritionally complete feed. Different feeds support chickens through various stages of life:

Starter Feed (Chick Starter): For baby chicks up to 6 weeks of age. Contains 22–24% protein to support fast growth. Available in medicated feed options to prevent illness in young chicks.
Grower Feed: For chicks aged 6 to 20+ weeks. Contains 16–18% protein. Designed to support the growth of adult chickens without the extra calcium needed for egg-laying hens.
Layer Feed: Begin at 18–22 weeks when hens start laying. Layer feed contains 16–18% protein and added calcium for strong egg shells and consistent egg production.

You can pick up the right poultry feed at your local feed store. Always follow the label and adjust based on your birds’ personal preference, breed, and stage of life.

Supplements & Extras for a Healthy Diet

Oyster Shell & Shell Grit

Laying hens need extra calcium to lay fresh eggs with strong shells. Offer oyster shell or shell grit free choice in a separate container. Don’t mix it into the feed—hens will eat it when needed.

Fresh Water is a Must

Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. In cold weather, check frequently to ensure it hasn’t frozen. Use warm water in winter if needed.

Feeding Chickens: How Much and How Often?

Let your chickens have free choice access to feed throughout the day. It’s a good idea to use a chicken feeder that keeps food clean and dry.

On average, a laying hen eats about 120 grams of layer feed per day. Letting chickens eat small amounts throughout the day helps avoid overeating while keeping their energy requirements met.

Adult chickens will naturally stop eating once full—especially when they’re not meat chickens bred for rapid growth.

Feeding Chickens for Organic Eggs

Want to collect your own eggs from an organic flock? Switch to organic commercial feed. Though more expensive, it's a good thing for those prioritizing clean food and fewer additives.

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Healthy Chicken Treats and Extras

It’s tempting to give your flock extras—and you can! Just remember, treats should only make up about 10% of the flock’s feed to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.

Some great treats and extras:

Nutritious vegetables (cabbage, leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin)
Sunflower seeds – great during cold weather for extra energy
Small pieces of stale bread (in small amounts only)
Scratch grains – scattered in the chicken run as a tasty treat (but not nutritionally complete)
Kitchen scraps and table scraps – avoid anything processed or salty

Avoid:

Toxic foods like citrus fruit, avocado pits, and chocolate
Moldy or spoiled food
Processed food
Certain toxic plants (especially if your flock is free-range)

Check out our full guide on what NOT to feed chickens to keep your flock safe.

Feeding Chickens from the Garden or Compost

Chickens love new foods, especially when they come from your garden or compost pile. Offer chopped greens, veggies, and whole grains as part of a varied diet. Be cautious about introducing new items—start with small pieces and monitor their behavior.

Feeding Based on the Season

Your chickens' dietary needs change depending on the time of year:

Summer months: Provide cooling snacks like watermelon and cucumbers. Ensure access to shade and water.
Cold weather: Offer higher protein treats like mealworms or sunflower seeds. Increase calories for warmth.

Feeding Free-Range Chickens

If your chickens free range during the day, they’ll find bugs, seeds, and plants to supplement their diet. This improves the nutritional value of their eggs and supports the digestive system with natural small stones (grit).

That said, continue offering good quality feed to ensure all their essential nutrients are covered.

Best Way to Feed Chickens

The best feed for your flock depends on their age, purpose (egg-laying hens vs. meat chickens), and how they live (chicken coop vs. free-range chickens). A mix of nutritionally complete feed, healthy extras, fresh water, and seasonal adjustments gives your birds the best chance at staying healthy and productive.

Feeding your flock doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little attention to their nutritional needs and some healthy snacks here and there, you’ll raise healthy chickens that bring you joy—and fresh eggs—for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Chickens

How often do chickens need to be fed? Chickens should have access to food throughout the day, as they naturally eat small meals frequently, ideally from when they wake up until they roost for the night.

What is the feeding rate for chickens? There is a simple figure to provide you with a solid starting point: 1/4 of a pound per fully grown chicken per day.