At 6 weeks old, chickens should be fed grower feed.
Understanding Chicken Feed Stages
Chicken feed is specially formulated to meet the changing nutritional needs of chickens as they grow. Understanding the different stages is crucial for raising healthy birds. The two most important stages related to this question are starter and grower feed.
Starter Feed
- Purpose: Designed for baby chicks from hatch to around 6 weeks old.
- Protein Content: High in protein, typically 20-24%, to support rapid growth.
Grower Feed
- Purpose: Formulated for chickens between 6 and 20 weeks old.
- Protein Content: Lower in protein than starter feed, usually 16-18%.
- Calcium Content: Less calcium than layer feed, which is important for preventing kidney damage in young chickens.
Why Switch to Grower Feed at 6 Weeks?
Chicks grow rapidly in their first few weeks and need a high-protein diet to support this growth. However, as they mature, their protein requirements decrease. Continuing to feed starter feed beyond 6 weeks can lead to health problems due to the excess protein. Grower feed provides the right balance of nutrients for this stage of development, supporting continued growth without overloading their system.
In summary, at 6 weeks old, switch your chicks from starter feed to grower feed. This ensures they receive the correct nutrients for healthy development.
