Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially for families and youth in 4-H, FFA, or Grange. One of the most important parts of keeping your chickens healthy is understanding their nutritional needs. Whether you have a small backyard flock or are preparing birds for show, proper feeding is key to strong eggshells, glossy feathers, and energetic hens. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of chicken nutrition, types of feed, common mistakes, and tips for giving your birds a healthy diet.
Why Chicken Nutrition Matters
Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy flock. Chickens need a balanced diet to:
- Grow properly
- Lay high-quality eggs
- Build strong bones and feathers
- Resist diseases and stress
- Perform well in showmanship and breed classes
Just like people, chickens can suffer from poor health if they don’t get the right mix of nutrients. Feeding your birds properly from the start helps avoid issues like soft eggshells, slow growth, feather loss, and even behavior problems like pecking.
The Six Essential Nutrients
Chickens need six main nutrients in their diet:
- Protein – Builds muscle, feathers, and supports egg production
- Carbohydrates – Provides energy
- Fats – Helps absorb vitamins and store energy
- Vitamins – Support all body systems, especially reproduction and immune function
- Minerals – Crucial for bone strength, eggshell formation, and growth
- Water – The most important nutrient; chickens need fresh, clean water every day
Types of Chicken Feed
Feed is usually sold by age group and purpose. It’s important to match the feed to your birds’ needs:
1. Chick Starter
- Age: 0 to 6-8 weeks
- Protein: Around 18–20%
- Purpose: Supports fast early growth
- May be medicated (to prevent coccidiosis) or non-medicated. Always check your 4-H or fair rules before using medicated feeds.
2. Grower Feed
- Age: 6–8 weeks to 16–20 weeks
- Protein: 15–18%
- Purpose: Slower, steady growth as birds near maturity
3. Layer Feed
- Age: From the first egg onward (usually 18–20 weeks)
- Protein: Around 16%
- Calcium: Higher levels to support strong eggshells
4. Broiler Feed
- For meat birds, higher in protein and energy to promote fast, healthy growth.
Scratch Grains, Treats & Supplements
Scratch Grains
- A mix of cracked corn and grains
- Should be treated like dessert – no more than 10% of the total diet
- Good for encouraging natural foraging and bonding with your flock
Kitchen Scraps & Garden Greens
- Some leftovers like lettuce, melon rinds, and corn cobs can be safe treats
- Avoid salty, moldy, sugary, or spoiled food
- Don’t feed onions, chocolate, raw beans, or avocado
Grit
- Chickens don’t have teeth – they need grit (tiny rocks) to grind up food in their gizzards
- Offer chick grit or poultry grit especially if they don’t free range
Oyster Shell
- A calcium supplement for layers
- Offered free-choice in a separate container
- Helps prevent soft or misshapen eggs
Feeding Tips for Families and Youth
- Stick to a schedule: Feed at the same times daily
- Use clean feeders: Prevent moldy or contaminated feed
- Keep feed dry: Moisture can lead to mold, which is dangerous to poultry
- Store feed in sealed containers: Keeps out rodents and moisture
- Provide fresh water at all times: Chickens won’t eat without water!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding the wrong feed for the age/stage
- Giving layer feed to chicks can cause kidney damage due to high calcium
- Too many treats
- Can lead to obesity or unbalanced diets
- Dirty waterers or moldy feed
- Can cause illness or reduce appetite
- Overfeeding scratch grains
- Lowers protein intake and may reduce egg production
Nutrition for Show Birds
Youth raising birds for fair or show need to pay special attention to nutrition. Birds in top condition need:
- A steady protein level (not too high or too low)
- Excellent feather condition – supported by balanced fats and vitamins
- Clean feed and water to avoid staining feathers
- Consistency – changing feed right before a show can upset their digestion
Talk to your 4-H or FFA leader about recommended feeds for show poultry. Some feed stores even sell special conditioner feeds that support feather sheen and muscle tone.
Signs of Poor Nutrition
Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Pale combs or wattles
- Slow or uneven growth
- Weak legs or curled toes in chicks
- Soft or misshapen eggs
- Feather picking or aggression
- Poor feather quality
If you notice any of these, review your feeding program or consult a poultry expert or vet.
Conclusion: Healthy Feed, Happy Chickens
Understanding the basics of chicken nutrition is one of the best things you can do to raise healthy, happy birds. Whether you’re caring for a small backyard flock, raising birds for show, or just getting started with poultry, feeding the right diet will make a huge difference.
Keep it simple: provide a quality age-appropriate feed, limit treats, offer clean water, and make sure they get grit and calcium as needed. With care and attention, your chickens will reward you with eggs, friendship, and maybe even a ribbon at the fair!