Raising backyard chickens is a rewarding experience. Whether you are raising chickens for eggs, meat, or as pets, it is important to know how to properly care for them. Keep reading to learn the answer to the question: How much protein do chickens need at each stage of development?
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Why Chickens Need Protein
Chickens need different amounts of protein based off of what stage of development they are in. Chicken feathers contain between 85%-97% protein. So whether a chick is developing new feathers or a chicken is losing feathers due to protein, they need protein in their diet to truly thrive.
Most eggs contain about 6 grams of protein and many laying hen breeds produce around 300 eggs a year. Because of this, they need protein in their diets to be able to produce eggs.
Protein deficiency in chickens can lead to poor growth, poor laying, smaller eggs, missing feathers, sickness, and more.
Why I Recommend Scratch + Peck Feeds for Protein-Rich Chicken Food
This past year, I started feeding my chickens Scratch + Peck Feeds. In just a few weeks, I saw tremendous improvement in their overall health.
We bought adult chickens from a local farmer that were affordable but not in the greatest health. They were missing feathers, had worms, and were extremely lethargic. Within a month of starting Scratch + Peck plus a treatment to get rid of the worms, they re-grew their feathers, re-gained their energy, and started laying consistently.
I recently learned that chickens need different amounts of protein based off of their stage of development. Scratch + Peck Feeds takes the guess work out of it for you! They provide a feed for each stage of development that has the exact amount of protein required for chickens at that stage!
They also offer feeds that are corn + soy free, organic, non-GMO, and made using the highest-quality ingredients. Their chicken feed can also be used with ducks, so it’s the perfect option if you are raising a mixed flock!
Watch my full review of Scratch + Peck Feeds here on YouTube!
How Much Protein Do Chickens Need at Each Stage of Development?
As I mentioned above, chickens need different amounts of protein at different ages and stages. Keep reading to learn about how to help your chickens thrive at every stage!
Baby Chicks – 0-8 Weeks – 20% Protein
Baby chicks need a feed with 20% protein because they are developing both feathers and bones during this stage. Young chicks need more protein than chickens at any other stage of development. Providing them with the nutrients they need will help them grow and thrive!
Scratch and Peck Feeds offers an organic starter feed for chicks ages 0-8 weeks and ducks ages 0-4 weeks. This feed is available in both crumble or mash form.
Growing Chickens – 8-20 Weeks – 17% Protein
As chickens continue to grow, they need slightly less protein but still a high amount. A feed with 17% protein is recommended for chickens at this stage of development.
Scratch and Peck offers an organic grower feed with 17% protein in both crumble and mash form.
Adult Chickens – 20+ Weeks – 16% Protein
Surprisingly, adult chickens need less protein than younger chickens. A feed with 16% protein is optimal for their continued health. This supports egg production without providing excess protein beyond what is needed.
Scratch and Peck offers an organic layer feed in a crumble, mash, and layer form. Crumbles are small and easier for chickens to eat. Pellets are larger and lead to less waste. And the mash is made with raw whole grains and allows you to see the contents of your chicken’s feed.
I personally prefer the pellets because they lead to less waste, but all three of these forms are excellent options for adult chickens.
How Much Protein Do Chickens Need in the Winter?
Chickens need more protein in the fall and winter months. The colder temperatures can lead to stress, and extra protein can help keep your chickens nourished and healthy. It can also encourage chickens to continue laying even during the winter months.
Scratch and Peck Feeds recommends feeding chickens a feed with 18% protein during this time. They have an 18% layer feed available in both pellet and mash form to support your chickens health over the colder months!
How Much Protein Do Chickens Need When Molting?
As mentioned above, feathers contain a lot of protein. If your chickens are molting–or losing their feathers–it is important to support them with extra protein.
Most chickens molt to prepare for winter by growing new feathers to keep them warm. They usually molt once or twice a year, usually in the late summer or fall.
Scratch and Peck recommends feeding chickens an 18% protein feed during these times.
Ways to Add Extra Feed Into Your Chickens Diet
I also like to give my chickens some extra treats from time to time! Even though I know they are getting what they need from their Scratch + Peck diet, I like to supplement during times of high-stress or extreme weather changes.
They absolutely love the grubs from Scratch + Peck Feeds. We also feed them kitchen scraps with protein like eggs, cooked beans, beef, pork, and fish.
Free ranging also introduces more protein into a chickens diet by giving them access to bugs like worms, grubs, and insects.
How to Save on Scratch + Peck Feeds
Scratch + Peck feeds is an investment. Organic feed in general is pricier and Scratch + Peck is the best of the best.
Some ways to make this feed last are by allowing chickens to free range, serving them kitchen scraps regularly, and fermenting their feed. Fermenting chicken feed can help save 40% or more of your feed–making it last nearly twice as long!
You can also save 15% with my code THEMILLERACRES15 on all Scratch + Peck Feeds products, including their new 18% Layer Pellets!
Scratch + Peck Feeds Protein-Rich Chicken Food
Scratch + Peck Feeds is not the only option for quality, protein-rich chicken food. However, they sure make it easy on their customers by providing food for each stage of development with the exact protein contents and nutrients that chickens need!
Healthy Chickens Leads to Healthy Eggs
Whatever food you choose to feed your chickens, just remember that baby chicks need the most protein, growing chickens need slightly less, and laying hens need around 16%.
In times of stress such as cold weather, molting, or flock integration, add more protein into their diet through their feed, scraps, or treats.
A healthy diet for your chickens leads to healthy, nutrient-packed eggs for you to enjoy!
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