When Should Chicks Switch From Starter to Grower to Layer Feed? When To Switch Chicken Feed

Knowing when to switch chicken feed is one of the most important parts of raising healthy backyard chickens. Chicks, growing pullets and laying hens have different nutritional requirements, so the feed that works well during the first few weeks is not necessarily appropriate later in life.

For most flocks raised for egg production, the basic progression is:

Chick Starter → Grower/Developer → Layer Feed

The exact timing depends on the bird's breed, development and the feeding instructions for the specific product. Canadian poultry guidance commonly places the grower stage around the middle of the growing period and the transition to layer feed around 18 weeks or when birds approach egg production.

When Should You Change Chicken Feed?

For pullets being raised to become laying hens, a practical feeding schedule is:

Chicken Age	Typical Feed	Main Purpose
Hatch to about 6–8 weeks	Chick Starter	Early growth and development
About 6–8 to 16–18 weeks	Grower/Developer	Steady growth of the young pullet
Around 16–20 weeks / approaching lay	Layer Feed	Nutrition for egg production

This is a general guide, not a universal rule. Always check the manufacturer's feeding directions because different feeds and breeds can have different recommended transition ages.

What Is Chick Starter Feed?

Chick starter is designed for newly hatched chicks during their fastest period of growth.

Young chicks are developing feathers, muscles, bones and internal organs, so they require a nutrient-dense ration formulated specifically for their age.

Starter feed is commonly offered as a crumble because the smaller pieces are easier for young birds to eat.

For Canadian backyard flock owners, look for a feed specifically labelled for chicks or starter-stage poultry and follow the product directions.

How Long Should Chicks Eat Starter Feed?

Many feeding programs use starter feed from hatch until approximately 6 weeks of age, although some products or hatchery programs extend the starter period.

The important point is not to change feed simply because the chicks have reached an arbitrary date. Consider the manufacturer's instructions and the type of birds you are raising.

For example, layer pullets and meat chickens can have different feeding programs.

When Should Chicks Switch From Starter to Grower Feed?

For many backyard layer flocks, the transition from starter to grower feed occurs at approximately 6–8 weeks of age.

Grower or developer feed is formulated for the next stage of development. It generally has a different nutrient balance from chick starter and is intended to support steady growth as the pullet becomes a young adult.

Some commercial feeds are labelled starter/grower, meaning the same product can be used across more than one stage. If your feed is labelled this way, follow the manufacturer's feeding directions rather than switching simply because the chicks have reached six weeks.

Signs Your Chicks Are Moving Into the Grower Stage

Age is only one consideration. Your birds may also be:

• Fully feathered or close to fully feathered

• Increasing steadily in size

• More active and independent

• Developing the body frame of young pullets

• Moving beyond the very small-chick stage

  
  

The goal is to provide nutrition appropriate for the bird's current stage rather than chasing a specific protein percentage alone.

What Is Grower or Developer Feed?

Grower feed is designed for young chickens that are still growing but are not yet laying eggs.

The nutritional profile is different from layer feed because growing pullets are developing their skeleton and body structure rather than producing eggs.

One important difference is calcium.

Layer feeds are formulated with substantially more calcium than feeds intended for growing birds because laying hens require calcium for eggshell formation. Young birds should not routinely be fed layer ration simply because it is available.

When Should Pullets Switch to Layer Feed?

For pullets being raised for egg production, the transition to layer feed is commonly made around 16–20 weeks, depending on the feeding program and the birds' development.

Many programs use approximately 18 weeks as a practical reference point.

Another useful indicator is the approach of egg production. Some Canadian poultry guidance recommends moving birds to layer ration around 18 weeks, while other commercial programs begin the transition earlier and complete it by approximately 18–20 weeks.

The Simple Rule

Do not feed layer ration to young chicks simply because they are chickens.

Layer feed is designed for birds that are approaching or producing eggs. Its mineral balance, particularly its calcium level, is different from a growing-bird ration.

If you are unsure when your pullets are ready, check the feed manufacturer's label or speak with your local feed supplier.

What Happens If You Switch to Layer Feed Too Early?

One of the biggest mistakes new chicken keepers make is assuming that layer feed is suitable for every age of chicken.

It isn't.

Young pullets have different mineral requirements from laying hens. Because layer diets contain higher calcium levels, they are not intended as the routine diet for young, non-laying birds. Canadian poultry guidance specifically cautions against feeding layer mash to young chicks because of its higher calcium and phosphorus levels.

This is why keeping starter, grower and layer stages separate is important.

What If My Pullets Are Not Laying at 18 Weeks?

Don't panic if your hens do not produce an egg exactly at 18 weeks.

Breed, genetics, daylight, season, body development and management can all influence when pullets begin laying.

Instead of treating 18 weeks as a guaranteed laying date, think of it as a useful transition window.

For example:

16 weeks: Check the manufacturer's transition recommendations.

17–18 weeks: Watch for signs that the pullets are approaching maturity.

18–20 weeks: Many layer feeding programs have birds fully transitioned to layer ration.

Always follow the specific instructions on the feed you purchase.

How to Switch Chicken Feed Gradually

A gradual change can make the transition easier for your flock.

Instead of suddenly replacing the old feed, you can mix the two feeds over several days.

A commonly used approach is:

Transition Period	Old Feed	New Feed
Days 1–2	75%	25%
Days 3–4	50%	50%
Days 5–6	25%	75%
Day 7+	0%	100%

This is a general transition example rather than a mandatory schedule. If the feed manufacturer provides different instructions, use those instructions first.

A gradual transition is also useful because chickens can be creatures of habit and may initially hesitate when the texture or shape of their feed changes.

Starter vs Grower vs Layer Feed: At a Glance

🐣 Chick Starter

Typical stage: Hatch to approximately 6–8 weeks

Designed for:

• Rapid early development

• Feather growth

• Muscle and skeletal development

• Young chicks with small beaks

  
  

🐥 Grower/Developer

Typical stage: Approximately 6–8 to 16–18 weeks

Designed for:

• Continued body growth

• Developing pullets

• Maintaining steady development before egg production

  
  

🐔 Layer Feed

Typical stage: Around 16–20 weeks and onward as birds approach laying

Designed for:

• Mature laying hens

• Egg-production nutrition

• Higher calcium requirements associated with eggshell formation

Commercial feeding programs vary, so the product label should remain your first reference.

What About Chickens in an Ontario Backyard Flock?

Ontario backyard chickens face some unique seasonal conditions.

During colder months, birds may spend less time outside and their management can change. However, cold weather does not mean you should automatically change a bird from grower to layer feed or increase supplements.

The first priority is still providing a properly formulated ration appropriate for the bird's age and production stage, along with reliable access to clean drinking water.

Ontario poultry guidance also emphasizes appropriate flock management, including suitable feeder space and housing conditions.

Can Chicks Eat Scratch Grain?

Scratch grain should not replace a properly formulated starter or grower ration.

Whole grains can be offered as a supplemental treat to appropriate birds, but growing chicks need the balanced nutrition supplied by their formulated feed.

For young chicks especially, avoid diluting the complete ration with large amounts of grain.

If you want to offer grains to older birds, keep them as a supplement rather than allowing them to replace the main ration.

What About Hens, Roosters and Mixed-Age Flocks?

Mixed-age flocks can make feeding more complicated.

If you have chicks, pullets, laying hens and roosters together, their nutritional needs are not identical.

Layer feed is formulated for laying birds, while growing birds require a different nutritional balance.

If you have a mixed-age flock, consider separating birds by age where practical or ask your feed supplier about an appropriate all-flock feeding strategy.

FAQ?

When should I switch chicks from starter to grower feed?

Many layer-pullet programs switch from starter to grower at around 6–8 weeks, but the correct timing depends on the product and flock. Always follow the manufacturer's feeding directions.

When should chickens start eating layer feed?

Pullets are commonly moved to layer feed around 16–20 weeks, often around 18 weeks or as they approach the start of egg production.

Can 10-week-old chickens eat layer feed?

Layer feed is generally not intended for young, non-laying pullets. Use the appropriate grower/developer ration until the birds approach the laying stage.

Is grower feed the same as layer feed?

No. Grower feed is formulated for developing birds, while layer feed is formulated for mature birds producing eggs. Their nutrient and mineral profiles are different.

What if my chickens start laying before 18 weeks?

If your pullets begin laying earlier than expected, check the feeding instructions for your particular feed and consider transitioning according to the manufacturer's guidance.

Should I change feed suddenly?

A gradual transition over several days can help birds adjust to a new feed. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations if they provide a specific transition schedule.

Can I feed scratch grain instead of grower or layer feed?

Scratch grain should not normally replace a properly formulated complete ration. Use it as a supplemental grain rather than the primary nutritional source.