Baby chicks, especially laying breeds, will consume about 1 pound of chick starter feed per chick each week, according to the reference. This translates to roughly 6 pounds of feed per chick over the first six weeks of their life, at which point they generally switch to a grower/developer feed.
Weekly Chick Starter Consumption
The average weekly consumption for a single chick is about one pound of starter feed.
Total Feed Needed Before Switching to Grower Feed
- Total Feed: Approximately 6 pounds of starter feed is needed per chick before transitioning to grower/developer feed.
- Timeline: This feed is consumed within the first six weeks of a chick's life.
- Feed Type: Utilize finely-milled chick starter feed specifically formulated for baby chicks.
Feed Planning Table
| Age (Weeks) | Feed per Chick per Week | Cumulative Feed per Chick |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 lb | 1 lb |
| 2 | 1 lb | 2 lb |
| 3 | 1 lb | 3 lb |
| 4 | 1 lb | 4 lb |
| 5 | 1 lb | 5 lb |
| 6 | 1 lb | 6 lb |
Practical Insights and Tips
- Storage: Store your chick starter feed in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.
- Feeder Access: Ensure the chicks have easy access to the feed at all times. Use appropriate feeders for chicks to minimize wastage.
- Observation: Regularly monitor your chicks' feeding habits. If they seem hungry more often, it may mean your feed plan may need to be adjusted slightly, depending on the breed.
- Water Source: Make sure the chicks have access to a clean water source as well. Water and feed go hand in hand when raising chicks.
