How to Make Chickens Grow

Baby chicks instinctively seek out food and water on the first day of life. This inborn trait makes them easier to raise than baby birds born helpless and totally dependent on their mothers. To make chickens grow, you need to meet their basic dietary needs for food and water. As a chick grows into an adult, its body requires different amounts of protein for proper development. Feed stores make it easy for small flock raisers to provide these feeds for their chickens by showing the protein content on the label. Methodically following some basic steps will ensure the proper growth of your chicks.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken feeders
  • Chicken waterers
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Instructions

  1. Meat Chickens

    • 1

      Feed a 22 to 24 percent protein chick starter for the first two weeks of life.

    • 2
      A broiler is raised for meat.

      Feed a 20 to 21 percent chick grower from weeks two to four.

    • 3

      Feed an 18 to 20 percent protein finisher from week four to market. Market means when the chicken is ready to butcher. This is usually around week eight for commercial-type broilers.

    Egg Layers

    • 4

      Feed a 20 to 21 percent protein chick starter for the first six weeks of life.

    • 5
      A pullet is a chicken less than 12 months old.

      Feed a 16 to 19 percent protein pullet grower from weeks six to 10.

    • 6

      Feed a 15 to 17 percent pullet developer from weeks 10 to 20.

    • 7

      Switch to a 16 to 18 percent laying feed as soon as the chickens begin laying eggs.

    Dual-purpose Breeds

    • 8
      A dual-purpose breed is bred for both meat and egg production.

      Feed a 20 to 21 percent protein chick starter for the first six weeks of life.

    • 9

      Feed a 15 to 19 percent protein pullet-grower developer from week six to week 20.

    • 10

      Switch to a 16 to 18 percent protein layer feed as soon as the chickens start laying eggs.