Types of Feed for Breeder Chickens Raising breeder chickens is a science, as well as an art. While broilers or layers simply need a healthy diet for their well-being, breeder chickens need balanced food to produce sturdy, healthy babies. Whether operating a commercial hatchery or simply breeding birds on your farm, knowing the varieties of feed there are—and how and when to apply them—can make all the difference in your flock’s productivity and well-being.
In this post, we’ll break down the main types of feed for breeder chickens, what each one does, and tips for feeding your birds at every stage of their reproductive cycle.
Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks)
While not exclusive to breeder chickens, starter feed is essential for newly hatched chicks, including future breeders. It’s high in protein (around 20–24%) to support rapid growth and early development.
Types of Feed for Broiler Chicks
Key Features:
- Crumbled or mashed type to facilitate digestion
- Medicated or non-medicated type (medicated feeds keep coccidiosis at bay)
- Sometimes added with vitamins and trace minerals to ensure immunity is robust
Pro tip: Even though they will be breeders in the future, don’t cut corners at this stage—healthy chicks make healthy adults.
Grower Feed (6–14 Weeks)
Once the chicks are feathered out and gaining steadily, time to switch to grower feed, which has a little lower protein content (usually 16–18%) and average energy levels.
Key Features:
- Promotes steady body growth without being too fat
- Well-balanced calcium and phosphorus for bone development
- Prevents pullets from entering premature laying of eggs
Note: For breeder prospects, the grower stage is all about laying a solid foundation. Steer clear of feeds with excessive calcium during this phase—it can damage the forming kidneys.
Vaccination Schedule for Broiler Chicks
Developer Feed / Pre-Breeder Feed (14–20 Weeks)
This is where breeder-specific feeding truly becomes relevant. Developer feed is specifically formulated for pullets (young hens) nearing sexual maturity.
Key Features:
- Reduced protein (14–16%) to prevent excessive weight gain
- Regulated calcium levels to set up for eventual laying
- Often supplemented with vitamins A, D, and E for reproductive growth
✅ Why It Matters: Feeding developer feed at this point ensures hens achieve the proper weight and body condition before production lay, and that means improved fertility and hatchability down the road.
Breeder Layer Feed (After 20 Weeks)
This is the most important feed for active breeders. Breeder layer feed addresses both egg production and embryonic health.
Key Features:
- A balanced protein (15–17%) for laying eggs
- Greater calcium (3–4%) for robust eggshells
- Supplemented with vitamins such as E, biotin, riboflavin, and folic acid, crucial for embryonic development and hatchability
Contains trace minerals such as selenium and zinc for fertility and resistance
Important: Breeder feed is not “layer feed” by any other name—beware, as it contains accurate nutrient profiles optimized for fertilized egg production. Always use specifically formulated breeder diets when your hens are actively laying to hatch.
Supplemental Feeds
Aside from principal feed forms, supplemental feeds are utilized by some breeders for improving flock health and fertility:
- Grain Mixes: Generally served as scratch or treats—excellent for brain stimulation, but must be restricted to prevent weakening the diet.
- Vitamin & Mineral Premixes: May be administered in water or feed to provide certain requirements, particularly where stress or low fertility is involved.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Evidenced to enhance chick viability and egg quality.
- Probiotics & Enzymes: Support gut function and nutrient assimilation.
Be Warned: Excessive supplementation can harm more than help. Follow dosage recommendations to the letter, and consult with a poultry nutritionist if in question.
Finale Thoughts: Feed with Purpose
Feeding breeder hens isn’t merely a matter of keeping them in egg-laying, alive states—it’s about maximizing reproductive well-being, egg fertility, and chick quality. The correct feed at the correct stage can be the difference between a subpar hatch and a healthy, productive flock.
Poultry production begins in the World
To summarize:
- Starter feed lays the foundation.
- Grower feed builds strong bodies.
- The developer feeds pullets to lay eggs.
- Breeder layer feed optimizes egg and chick quality.
Whether you’re raising heritage breeds or hybrid layers, investing in quality feed tailored to each stage of development pays off in the long run. Your chickens and your hatch rates will thank you. Types of Feed for Breeder Chickens
Got questions or want to share your feeding routine? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow breeders!
