Baby Chicks Eat? Complete Feeding Guide” style=”width:100%;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:24px;”/>Feeding baby chicks correctly in their first weeks of life sets the foundation for their entire productive lives. Get it right and you’ll raise healthy, vigorous pullets that transition smoothly to laying. Get it wrong — wrong feed type, wrong protein level, wrong calcium level — and you risk stunted growth, poor feathering, kidney damage, and reduced lifetime production. This complete guide covers exactly what chicks need from their first day through to point of lay.
Quick Facts
| 0–8 Weeks | Chick starter — 20–22% protein, crumble or mash form |
| 8–18 Weeks | Grower/developer feed — 16–18% protein |
| 18+ Weeks | Layer feed when first egg appears |
| Grit | Offer chick-sized grit from week 1 if feeding anything other than starter |
| Water | Fresh water always available — first thing when chicks arrive |
| No Layer Feed | Never feed layer feed to chicks — calcium damages kidneys |
Day 1: The Most Critical First Steps
When chicks arrive — whether shipped from a hatchery or hatched under a broody hen — their first need is not food but water. Chicks can survive 24–48 hours after hatch on the remaining yolk sac absorbed just before hatching, but dehydration sets in quickly. Place each chick at the waterer and gently dip its beak in the water to trigger the drinking reflex. Ensure every chick is drinking before they settle in the brooder.
First feed: chick starter in crumble or mash form. Chicks cannot eat pellets — their crops and gizzards are too small. Sprinkle starter on the brooder floor for the first few days rather than only in feeders — the movement and pecking instinct is triggered by seeing food on a surface they can scratch at. By day 3–4, most chicks are eating confidently from feeders.
Weeks 1–8: Chick Starter Phase
Chick starter at 20–22% protein is the correct feed for the first 8 weeks. The high protein level (compared to layer feed’s 16–18%) fuels the explosive growth of this stage — chicks can triple their body weight in the first two weeks and are developing muscle, bone, organ systems, and feather coverage simultaneously.
Medicated starter contains amprolium to prevent coccidiosis in unvaccinated birds and is appropriate for most backyard situations. If chicks were vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery, use non-medicated starter — amprolium interferes with the vaccine’s action. Keep starter available free-choice at all times — chicks will eat when they’re hungry and growing so fast that restricting access sets back development significantly.
Weeks 8–18: Grower Feed
Around 8 weeks, transition chicks to a grower or pullet developer feed at 16–18% protein. The high 20–22% protein of chick starter is more than growing pullets need after the initial explosive growth phase, and feeding too much protein over a long period can stress kidneys. Transition gradually — mix increasing proportions of grower feed into starter over 5–7 days.
Continue grower feed until first egg, typically around 18–22 weeks depending on breed. During the grower stage, introduce the chicks to the outdoor environment (if not already), scratch treats in moderation, and begin offering free-choice grit if any treats beyond chick starter are being fed. Grit is essential for digesting anything other than the starter crumble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can baby chicks eat anything other than starter feed?
For the first 2 weeks, starter feed and water only is the safest approach. After 2 weeks, small treats like finely chopped greens, tiny amounts of scrambled egg, or a little fruit can be offered — but only with grit provided. Starter feed should remain the primary diet throughout the chick and pullet stage.
How much should baby chicks eat per day?
Provide starter feed free-choice — keep it available at all times. Young chicks eat frequently (every few minutes) as their metabolism is extremely high. Don’t try to ration; this stage requires constant access to fuel growth. A 25-lb bag of chick starter is typically adequate for 6 chicks through 8 weeks.
When can chicks eat layer pellets?
Not until they’re actively laying — typically around 18–22 weeks. The high calcium in layer feed (3–4% vs. 0.9% in chick starter) damages developing kidneys in young birds. Even 16-week pullets not yet laying should remain on grower feed, not layer feed.
Do chicks need water with their food?
Always — fresh water must be available at all times from day one. Use a chick-specific waterer with a shallow water level to prevent drowning. Place marbles or pebbles in the water basin for the first week to prevent very young chicks from falling in. Check and refresh water at least twice daily.
Can chicks eat grass and bugs?
Yes, from about 2–3 weeks with access to appropriate grit. Small, tender grass blades, tiny insects, and small worms are all eagerly consumed and nutritionally beneficial. Avoid long, tough fibrous grass that can cause crop impaction. Free-range or pastured chicks with access to diverse natural foods and grit generally develop excellent immune systems and foraging behavior.
From Our Community
Real questions from backyard chicken keepers:
Q: How do I know if I’m feeding my chickens the right amount?
A: A healthy hen eats about 1/4 pound of feed per day. If feeders are empty by afternoon, offer more. If feed sits uneaten for days, you may be overfeeding treats that displace the balanced feed.
Q: Can I mix my own chicken feed?
A: You can, but balancing protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals correctly is complex. Most backyard keepers are better served by a quality commercial complete feed with kitchen scraps and garden extras as supplements.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Keep your flock happy and healthy with high-quality treats. Shop chicken treats on Amazon — dried mealworms, scratch grains, and more.
Fresh, clean water is essential for a healthy flock. Shop chicken waterers on Amazon — from simple galvanized to automatic nipple systems.
Reduce waste and keep feed dry with a quality feeder. Shop chicken feeders on Amazon — gravity, treadle, and hanging options.
Upgrade your coop setup with the right gear. Shop coop accessories on Amazon — nesting boxes, roost bars, heat lamps, and more.