Layer chickens need different feeds as they move from chick growth to egg production. Starter, grower, developer or pre-lay, and layer rations serve different purposes. The correct changeover depends on the strain guide, body weight and production stage—not one universal age table.
Layer feed phases at a glance
| Feed | Who it is for | Main job |
|---|---|---|
| Chick starter | Young layer chicks | Supports early organs, bones, feathers and immunity |
| Grower | Growing pullets | Supports steady frame growth and uniformity |
| Developer | Older pullets where the programme uses it | Controls growth toward mature body weight |
| Pre-lay | Pullets approaching lay where specified | Provides a short transition toward production nutrition |
| Layer ration | Hens in egg production | Supports egg mass, shell formation and maintenance |
Chick starter feed
Starter feed must be fresh, easy for chicks to consume and complete for the strain’s early requirements. Good brooding, clean water and rapid feed access are as important as the bag label. Record seven-day weight and flock uniformity.
Do not dilute starter feed with maize, bran or household scraps. Young chicks have limited intake, so dilution can reduce essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins.
Grower feed
Grower feed supports pullet frame development after the starter stage. The goal is not maximum fatness; it is the correct body weight and uniformity for the strain. Weigh birds weekly and investigate underweight or uneven groups before changing feed.
Developer and pre-lay feed
Some programmes include a developer ration, a pre-lay ration, both or neither. These are not interchangeable names for every product. Use them only when the feed manufacturer and breeder programme specify their purpose.
Pre-lay feed is normally a short transition. Starting it too early or feeding it for too long can create mineral and growth problems. Confirm body weight, age and flock readiness.
Layer feed
Layer ration provides nutrients for egg production and contains more calcium than chick or grower feed. It should not be fed routinely to young chicks. The exact nutrient concentration must match feed intake, strain, age and production level.
Changing to layer feed does not correct an underweight pullet flock automatically. Body weight and uniformity before lay affect later production.
Mash, crumble and pellets
- Mash: can work well when particle size is uniform, but excessive fines encourage sorting and waste.
- Crumble: is easier for young birds to pick up than large pellets.
- Pellets: may reduce sorting, but quality, size and hardness must suit the birds.
Feed form does not rescue poor formulation, mouldy ingredients or restricted water.
Can layers eat scratch grains?
Scratch grain is not a complete layer ration. Frequent maize or grain supplementation dilutes amino acids, calcium, vitamins and minerals. If treats are offered to a small backyard flock, keep them limited and do not let them replace the balanced feed.
Can I mix different feeds?
Do not mix complete feeds casually to change protein or calcium. The resulting ration may have an unknown nutrient balance. During an authorised phase change, follow the supplier’s transition instructions and keep feed continuously available.
How to choose a feed brand
- Confirm the correct bird type and production stage.
- Check production date, batch number and label information.
- Buy from a traceable supplier.
- Reject wet, mouldy, caked, rancid or insect-infested feed.
- Compare weight, uniformity, egg mass, FCR and cost—not bag price alone.
Storage rules for Nigerian farms
Store feed on pallets, away from walls and leaking roofs. Keep the room ventilated and protected from rodents, insects and wild birds. Use older sound feed first and record every bag received and issued.
How much feed should layers receive?
Daily intake varies with strain, age, temperature, body weight, feed energy and production. Use the correct breeder guide instead of a universal grams-per-bird table. Measure actual use and adjust planning from farm records.
Estimate quantities with the Poultry Feed Calculator. Measure efficiency with the Layer FCR Guide.
Common mistakes
- Giving layer feed to young chicks.
- Changing feed by age without checking weight.
- Diluting complete feed with maize or bran.
- Ignoring water flow and heat stress.
- Buying feed only by price.
- Using one nutrient table for every strain.
Related guide
For the complete programme, read the Layer Feeding, Growth and Egg Production Guide.
Final guidance
Use a complete feed for the correct stage, follow the exact strain guide and verify results with body weight, uniformity, egg output and feed records. Feed names are useful labels, but farm performance decides whether the programme is working.
3 Responses
I have have 3weeks old layer chicks what type of feeds can l give them because I gave them layers mash, now I got 2mortalities
Hello Yvonne,
We are sorry about the loss of your chicks. We guess this is related to the layers mash that you fed them. Layers mash is not meant for chicks. It contains high amount of calcium that is bad for chicks. It is designed for laying bird.
STARTER FEED (0-8 weeks): This should contain 20-24% protein and only 0.8-1.2% calcium. This is what your chicks need right now.
Thank you,
Admin.
Hello Yvonne,
Sorry for the late reply; I didn’t mean to take so long. I thought I had answered until I saw it today while working on the site. The layer mash isn’t what killed them.
Layer mash has too much calcium for chicks whose kidneys can’t handle it. Two deaths after three weeks on layer mash are more likely caused by disease, poor chick quality, problems during brooding, or water quality, not just the feed.
At three weeks old, layer chicks should be fed chick starter or grower mash containing 18–20% protein and low calcium. If you can’t find chick grower, regular chick starter is fine to continue until six weeks.
The more urgent question is why those two died. What did the dead birds look like? Are there any signs before death? Such as gasping, watery droppings, huddling, or not eating? That tells you far more than the feed label does. Look at these articles for more information: https://www.poultryaffairs.com/reducing-early-chick-mortality/ https://www.poultryaffairs.com/broiler-starter-feed-guide/ and https://www.poultryaffairs.com/best-guide-to-poultry-disease-prevention/.Best of luck with your poultry journey!