Poultry Feed for Chicks

FAQs About Feeding Chicks

If you’re a poultry owner trying to understand the best diet for your flock, it’s important to read these frequently asked questions about ingredients, diet requirements, and what is guaranteed on your feed tag. In order to choose the best poultry feed for chicks, you have to know what factors go into growing a healthy bird and how to compare different products on the market.

• Why is chick feed important for a growing bird?

  Chicks and adult layer birds have different diet requirements – ranging from protein and nutrient levels to feed form. That’s why it is important to look for a poultry feed specifically formulated for hatchlings up to 16 weeks of age and prior to the onset of lay. The purpose of chick feed is to support growth and development, while the purpose of layer feed is generally to support egg production and shell strength. Because of this, ingredients will vary depending on you birds’ life stage.

• How much protein do chicks require?

  Protein levels are one of the main differences between chick feed and layer feed. Chicks grow very quickly, so they need more protein to support their bodies in this important process. So, you want to look for a chick starter-grower feed with higher protein (such as NatureWise Chick Starter Grower Feed at 18% protein), compared to a layer ration in the 16% to 17% protein range.

• What vitamins and minerals do chicks need?

  While both chicks and adult layers require many of the same vitamins and minerals such as Copper, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, Manganese, Biotin, and Vitamins, it is important to check the Guaranteed Analysis for minimum and maximums.

  For example, chicks do not require as much calcium as laying hens. In fact, too much calcium can cause kidney damage in young birds. Proper Calcium levels for chicks include 0.80 – 1.30% Calcium versus 3.7 – 3.9% Calcium in layer feeds.

• Does Nutrena have any medicated chick feed or specialty chick feed?

  Yes! In addition to our chick starter-grower feed, Nutrena also offers both medicated chick feed and specialty chick feed for birds like silkie, ornamental, and bantam chicks. Here is a comparison of each chick offering:

  • NatureWise® Chick Starter Grower Feed
    • 18% Protein, 2.5% Fat, 6% Fiber
    • Crumble form
  • NatureWise® Chick Starter Grower Feed Medicated
    • 18% Protein, 2.5% Fat, 6% Fiber
      Crumble form
    • Includes Amprolium to prevent coccidiosis in unvaccinated chicks
  • NatureWise® Silkie & Ornamental Chick Starter Grower 24% Micro Clean Crumb™
    • 24% Protein, 5% Fat, 5% Fiber
    • Micro Clean Crumb™ form for smallest beaks
    • Higher protein to support weight gain and muscle development
    • For silkie, ornamental, and bantam chicks