Chick Starter vs Grower vs Layer Feed: When Should You Switch?

Raising healthy chickens starts with providing the right nutrition at the right stage of life.

One of the most common questions new backyard chicken owners ask is:

When should I switch from chick starter to grower feed, and when can my chickens start eating layer feed?

The answer matters because chicks, growing pullets and mature laying hens have different nutritional needs. A feed designed for a newly hatched chick is not necessarily appropriate for a hen producing eggs.

In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between chick starter, grower and layer feed, how the feeding stages work, and what Canadian flock owners should consider before changing feeds.

Chick Starter vs Grower vs Layer Feed: What's the Difference? chick starter vs grower vs layer feed

The easiest way to understand poultry feed is to think about the chicken's life cycle.

Feed Type	Intended For	Main Purpose
Chick Starter	Young chicks	Supports early growth and development
Grower Feed	Growing pullets	Supports continued development before laying
Layer Feed	Mature laying hens	Supports maintenance and egg production

Exact feeding ages and nutritional specifications can vary between products. chick starter vs grower vs layer feed

Always follow the directions printed on the feed label, especially when using medicated feeds or feeds formulated for a particular type of poultry.

What Is Chick Starter Feed?

Chick starter is formulated for chickens during their earliest stage of development.

Young chicks grow rapidly and therefore require a balanced ration formulated specifically for early growth.

Depending on the product, starter feeds typically provide a carefully formulated combination of:

• Protein and amino acids

• Energy

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Other nutrients required for development

  
  

Starter feed commonly comes in a crumble or fine texture, making it easier for young chicks to consume.

How Long Should Chicks Eat Starter Feed?

There isn't one age that applies to every feed program.

The appropriate transition depends on factors including:

• The feed manufacturer's directions

• Whether the birds are layers or broilers

• Breed and intended purpose

• The specific starter/grower feeding program being used

  
  

Some products combine the starter and grower stages, while other feeding programs use separate starter and grower rations.

For this reason, don't switch feeds simply because your chickens have reached an age mentioned in a general online guide.

Check the label on your specific feed first.

What Is Grower Feed?

Grower feed is designed for birds that have moved beyond the earliest chick stage but are not yet mature laying hens.

Think of it as the nutritional bridge between chick starter and layer feed.

During this period, pullets are continuing to develop their:

• Body frame

• Muscles

• Feathers

• Internal organs

• Reproductive system

  
  

Their nutritional requirements are therefore different from both newly hatched chicks and actively laying hens.

Why Not Move Straight to Layer Feed?

Layer feed is formulated specifically for birds producing eggs.

One of its major differences is its mineral profile, particularly the calcium provided to support eggshell formation.

Growing pullets do not have the same nutritional requirements as actively laying hens.

That is why it is generally better to follow an appropriate starter/grower feeding program rather than moving young birds onto layer feed simply because it is readily available.

What Is Layer Feed?

Layer feed is a complete ration formulated for mature hens during egg production.

Once a hen begins laying, her nutritional requirements change.

Producing eggs requires substantial nutrients, including protein, energy, vitamins and minerals.

Calcium becomes particularly important because hens require it for eggshell formation.

For example, some commercial layer feeds provide substantially more calcium than feeds intended for growing birds.

A properly formulated layer ration is designed to provide these nutrients in appropriate proportions when fed according to its directions.

When Should You Switch From Chick Starter to Grower Feed?

The correct time depends on the feeding program printed on your chosen product.

Many poultry feeding programs move birds through stages similar to:

Chick Starter → Grower/Developer → Layer

However, some feeds are labelled Starter/Grower, meaning one product may cover more than one developmental stage.

Instead of relying on a universal week number, use these three checks before switching:

1. Read the Feed Label

The manufacturer's directions should be your first reference.

Look for the intended poultry class and feeding period.

2. Know What Type of Chickens You Are Raising

A broiler chicken raised for meat and a pullet being raised to become a laying hen may follow different feeding programs.

Do not assume that a feed labelled “grower” is automatically suitable for every chicken.

3. Follow the Complete Feeding Program

If the manufacturer provides a starter, grower/developer and layer program, following those stages helps ensure that birds receive nutrition appropriate to their development.

When Should You Switch From Grower Feed to Layer Feed?

For pullets being raised as laying hens, the transition to layer feed is generally associated with reaching laying maturity.

The exact timing should follow the manufacturer's feeding directions.

The key principle is simple:

Layer feed is intended for laying birds—not young chicks.

If you're uncertain whether your birds are ready for layer feed, check the feed label or ask your feed supplier for guidance.

Why Does Layer Feed Contain More Calcium?

Eggshells require calcium.

Once hens begin producing eggs, they need a diet capable of supporting both their normal body functions and egg production.

This is why properly formulated layer rations contain calcium levels appropriate for laying birds.

For example, Masterfeeds 18% AV Layer Feed currently available through Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies lists 4% actual calcium along with a minimum of 18% crude protein.

That nutritional profile is specifically intended for laying hens.

It should not automatically be used as a substitute for chick starter or grower feed.

Can Chicks Eat Layer Feed?

Layer feed should not normally be used as the standard ration for young chicks unless a specific product label or qualified poultry professional directs otherwise.

Young chicks require nutrition formulated for growth rather than egg production.

Using feed according to the bird's age, class and production stage is a better approach than feeding every bird in the flock the same ration.

Can Laying Hens Eat Chick Starter?

Chick starter is formulated for young birds rather than as the normal long-term ration for mature laying hens.

Laying hens have different nutritional requirements, particularly when it comes to calcium for egg production.

Another important consideration is medication.

Some chick starter products are medicated and carry specific feeding restrictions.

Always read and follow the current product label.

What About Medicated Chick Starter?

Chick starter is available in medicated and non-medicated formulations.

Medicated feed should never be selected simply because it sounds “better.”

The medication, approved poultry class, feeding directions and warnings all matter.

For example, Jones Feed Mills Medicated Chick Starter currently sold by Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies contains amprolium and is formulated for broiler chickens.

Its directions and warnings should be followed exactly.

If you want to understand this subject in more detail, read our separate guide:

Chick Starter Feed: Medicated vs Non-Medicated

How Should You Change Chicken Feed?

When it's time to move to the next stage, check the instructions on both the existing and new feeds.

If a gradual transition is appropriate for those products, changing over progressively can help birds adjust to differences in texture, taste and formulation.

During any feed change, monitor:

• Feed consumption

• Water consumption

• Droppings

• Body condition

• Activity and behaviour

• Egg production in laying birds

  
  

Fresh, clean drinking water should always be available.

If birds become ill, stop eating or show unusual symptoms, consult a veterinarian or qualified poultry professional rather than assuming feed is the only possible cause.

Pellet vs Crumble: Does Feed Texture Matter?

Chicken feed is commonly available in different physical forms, including mash, crumble and pellets.

Crumble

Crumble consists of smaller pieces and is commonly used for younger birds or birds that prefer smaller feed particles.

Pellets

Pellets are compressed pieces of feed. They provide a consistent ration and can reduce ingredient sorting.

The nutritional formulation matters more than simply choosing pellets or crumbles.

For example, a layer crumble and layer pellet may have similar nutritional specifications even though their physical forms are different.

Choose a feed that is appropriate for the bird's stage first, then consider which texture works best for your flock and feeding system.

Chicken Feeding Tips for Ontario Flock Owners

Ontario's seasonal conditions can influence poultry management.

During cold weather, chickens use energy to maintain body temperature. During hot weather, feed intake can change.

Regardless of season, good feeding management includes:

• Providing the correct complete ration for the bird's life stage

• Keeping fresh water continuously available

• Keeping feeders clean and dry

• Protecting feed from moisture and pests

• Avoiding mouldy or contaminated feed

• Monitoring how quickly feed is being consumed

• Following manufacturer feeding directions

• Keeping treats secondary to balanced nutrition

  
  

Shop All Farm Feed & Supplies CanadaChicken Feed in OntarioStore feed in a cool, clean, dry and covered location.

If feed smells musty, becomes wet or shows signs of mould or contamination, don't feed it to your flock.

Choosing Chicken Feed in Chatham-Kent, Ontario

Choosing chicken feed doesn't need to be complicated.

Start with three questions:

How old are my birds?

What type of chickens am I raising?

What stage of production are they in?

Those answers can help determine whether you should be looking for starter, grower/developer, broiler or layer feed.

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies carries poultry feeds and farm supplies for backyard flock owners, hobby farms and eligible poultry operations in Blenheim, Chatham-Kent and surrounding Southwestern Ontario communities.

Available poultry products include options from Canadian feed manufacturers such as Jones Feed Mills and Masterfeeds.

Shop Chicken Feed in Blenheim, Ontario

Need help choosing the right feed for your flock?

Browse the poultry-feed options available from Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies, or contact us before purchasing if you're uncertain which product matches your chickens' age and purpose.

Local pickup: Blenheim, OntarioServing: Chatham-Kent and surrounding Ontario communities

Whether you're raising young chicks, growing birds or mature laying hens, choosing feed according to their current life stage is one of the simplest ways to build a consistent feeding program.

FAQ?

What is the difference between starter, grower and layer feed?

Starter feed is formulated for young chicks, grower feed supports birds during continued development, and layer feed is formulated for mature hens during egg production.

At what age should chickens switch from starter to grower feed?

There is no universal age that applies to every product. Check the manufacturer's feeding directions because some feeds combine starter and grower stages while others use separate rations.

When can chickens start eating layer feed?

Layer feed is intended for laying hens. Follow the manufacturer's directions regarding when pullets should transition to the layer ration.

Can baby chicks eat layer pellets?

Layer feed is formulated for mature laying hens rather than young chicks. Young chicks should receive an appropriate starter ration according to the product's feeding directions.

Is grower feed the same as layer feed?

No. Grower feed is designed to support developing birds before maturity, while layer feed is formulated to meet the requirements of egg-producing hens.

Can scratch grain replace chicken feed?

No. Scratch grain is generally supplemental and should not replace an appropriate nutritionally complete starter, grower or layer ration.

Should chicken feed be available all day?

Many backyard flock management programs provide an appropriate complete ration free-choice. Follow the directions for your particular feed and always provide clean, fresh drinking water.

Where can I buy chicken feed in Chatham-Kent?

Chatham Farm Feed & Supplies in Blenheim, Ontario carries poultry feeds for different feeding stages, including products from Jones Feed Mills and Masterfeeds.