Feed Types for Backyard Hens: Starter, Grower and Layer
Commercial poultry feed is formulated for the bird's life stage, and the main difference between the three common rations is the balance of protein and calcium. Feeding the wrong stage is one of the more common avoidable mistakes — layer feed given to young birds supplies more calcium than growing kidneys handle well, while a laying hen on grower feed may produce thin-shelled eggs.
The three core feeds
| Feed | Typical stage | What it emphasizes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Day-old chicks to a few weeks | Higher protein for early growth |
| Grower | Juveniles up to point of lay | Moderate protein, controlled calcium |
| Layer | Hens once they begin laying | Added calcium for eggshells |
Exact percentages vary by brand and region, so the bag label is the authority for any given product. The principle holds across brands: protein steps down and calcium steps up as a hen reaches laying age.
Medicated versus unmedicated starter
Starter feed is sold in both forms. Medicated starter usually contains a coccidiostat to help young chicks resist coccidiosis. The choice depends on whether chicks are vaccinated and on local practice — reading the label and following its guidance matters more than any general rule.
Supplements that have a clear role
- Grit: small insoluble stones birds store in the gizzard to grind food. Birds eating only commercial crumble or pellet need little; those eating whole grains, scraps, or foraging benefit from access to grit.
- Oyster shell or limestone: a separate, free-choice calcium source for laying hens. Offering it on the side lets each bird take what she needs rather than over-supplying the whole flock.
- Clean water: not a feed, but the input that most affects intake. Hens eat less when water is short or frozen.
Scraps and treats
Kitchen scraps and scratch grains are fine in moderation but are not balanced rations. A common guideline is to keep treats to a small share of the daily diet so the complete feed still provides most of the nutrition. Avoid mouldy, salty, or spoiled food.
Winter feeding notes
Cold weather raises a hen's energy needs, and shorter daylight naturally slows or pauses laying for many birds. Keeping feed available and water unfrozen is the practical priority; abrupt diet changes are best avoided during cold snaps when birds are already under stress.
Reliable references
For feeding and small-flock nutrition guidance, publicly available extension material from institutions such as the University of Guelph and federal information from the Government of Canada are dependable starting points.
Next: designing a coop for Canadian winters or the daily care routine.