When to switch chicken feed is a common question for new backyard chicken keepers. I get it! I had a lot of the same questions when I started out.

Knowing when to switch chicken feed is essential to ensure your flock remains healthy and productive throughout their life stages. But, before we dive into the timing of switching feeds, it’s important to understand the various types of feed available for each stage of life.

Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks)

Starter feed is a high-protein option (18-24% protein) formulated for chicks from hatch until about six weeks old. It’s packed with essential nutrients to support rapid growth and development. I also incorporate First Peep into my chicks’ starter feed for an extra boost to their immune, digestive and respiratory systems.

Grower Feed (6–16 Weeks)

Around six weeks of age, it’s time to transition to grower feed. This feed contains slightly less protein (16-18%) to support steady growth without promoting excessive weight gain too quickly.

Layer Feed (16–20 Weeks and Beyond)

Once hens start laying eggs, usually around 16–20 weeks, it’s time for layer feed. Layer feed includes extra calcium (and around 16-18% protein) to support strong eggshells and provide essential nutrients for laying hens. Always choose a high-quality layer feed—you’ll see the difference in your egg production!

Finisher Feed (For Meat Birds)

For meat birds, finisher feed is given during the final weeks before processing. This feed is high in protein and energy to promote weight gain. This makes them chunky! So, be sure to monitor your flock closely during this stage to ensure their health.

When to Switch Chicken Feed

Based on Age

The most straightforward factor for switching feed is your chickens’ age. Follow the general guidelines for feed types, but don’t stress if things overlap a little. For example, when integrating flocks of different ages, some younger chickens might start layer feed slightly earlier—and that’s okay.

Signs Your Chickens Need a Feed Change

Sometimes, your flock will show you it’s time for a change. Look for these signs:

• Decline in Egg Production: This could indicate a nutritional deficiency. Switching to a high-quality layer feed may help.

• Molting or Poor Feather Development: Upping protein during molting helps your chickens recover faster.

• Digestive Issues: This might call for a different type of feed or gradual feed changes to prevent upset.

• Weight Changes: Significant weight gain or loss might mean your flock’s current feed isn’t meeting their needs.

Managing Mixed Flocks and Special Needs

If you have a mixed flock or a sick chicken requiring extra nutrients like calcium or protein, managing feed can get tricky. Chickens are surprisingly intuitive and often eat what their bodies need. However, in special cases, you may need to separate sick or weaker birds temporarily to give them focused care and reintroduce them to the flock as soon as possible.

Transitioning Feeds

Switching feeds too quickly can cause digestive upset. To ease the transition:

• Mix the Old Feed with the New: Gradually increase the ratio of new feed over several days.

• Monitor Behavior: Ensure your flock continues to eat and behaves normally.

 

I also recommend adding Chicken E-lixir, a daily vitamin supplement, to their water during feed transitions. It’s an easy way to ensure your chickens are getting the nutrients they need.

Other Considerations

Chickens can be picky! My flock protested when I switched from crumble to pellets, but I stuck with it because pellets are less messy and keep the coop cleaner. While they didn’t love the change at first, they adjusted and are now thriving.

Keep it Simple

Switching chicken feed doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little research and by keeping an eye on your flock’s health and behavior, you’ll master feed transitions in no time.

Until next time,

–The Wing Lady

It’s chick season! Whether you’re adding to your flock or just dreaming about new feathered friends, now is the perfect time to explore rare chicken breeds! My go-to hatchery is Hoover’s Hatchery in Iowa. They consistently provide high-quality chicks, and some of my all-time favorite birds have come from their selection.

Did you know that Hoover’s Hatchery offers 44 rare breeds? If you’re looking to add unique and colorful birds to your flock, explore their stunning selection of rare varieties!

However, Hoover’s Hatchery is no longer accepting chick orders for 2025. Due to high demand and the ongoing impact of avian flu, many hatcheries are overwhelmed with orders, so check with your local farm supply store to see what breeds they can get for you!

My Favorite Rare Chicken Breeds

I’ve raised quite a few rare breeds over the years, and it’s safe to say chicken math is real! Here are some of my absolute favorites:

• Barnevelder

• Blue Andalusian

• Marans (all varieties!)

• Jersey Giants

• Olive Eggers Cream Legbar

• Prairie Bluebell Egger

• Sapphire Splash

• Polish

• Salmon Faverolle

• Lavender Orpington

Each of these breeds brings something special to the coop, whether it’s their egg color, personality or stunning feather patterns. But if I had to pick my top three, here’s what I’d choose.

1. Polish Chickens: The Comedians of the Coop

Polish chickens might not be prolific layers, but what they lack in egg production, they make up for in personality! With their wild crests and quirky behavior, they’re a must-have for any flock. These friendly and hilarious birds lay around 100 white eggs per year. If you decide to get a Polish chicken, consider getting two or three, they do best with a buddy!

2. Sapphire Splash: Stunning Looks & Exceptional Layers

If you love beautiful chickens that lay plenty of eggs, Sapphire Splash is a fantastic choice. These mottled beauties produce around 290 large brown eggs per year. They’re a perfect pick for anyone looking to increase egg production! Plus, their striking plumage makes them a standout in any backyard flock.

My girl, Paris, is a total stunner and such a sweetheart!

3. Lavender Orpingtons: Gentle, Beautiful and Reliable Layers

Lavender Orpingtons are among the most docile and friendly breeds out there. They’re known for their soft lavender-gray feathers, calm temperament and excellent egg production. They lay around 220 light brown eggs per year and are great for families or anyone looking for a quiet, gentle breed.

Until next time,

– The Wing Lady

Believe it or not, chickens are one of the most common domesticated animals in the world, providing us with eggs, meat, and incredible pets. People all over the world keep chickens and a question that often arises is whether chickens are omnivores. What are they actually eating when they’re out and about patrolling your backyard?

Are Chickens Omnivores?

First, we need to answer what an omnivore is! Omnivore is a fancy word for an organism that eats both plant and animal matter. Omnivores often have flexible diets, allowing them to adapt to various environments and food sources.

If you’ve had chickens for any length of time you will know that they are indeed omnivores. I love to watch my chickens forage for food as they free range in our backyard. They will hunt for insects like beetles, grasshoppers, ants, worms and other creepy crawly things.

In the same spin around the yard, they will munch on grass, dandelions and other plants such as my flowers! That, I don’t love so much. They will also gladly scratch around your garden too if you let them.

Chickens love a variety of “foods” which is funny because they have far less taste buds than us humans. They can tolerate spicy things like red pepper flakes because their taste buds are much less than ours! For little birds that can’t taste very much, they sure like to eat! Haha!

Are Chickens Carnivores?

While chickens are omnivores, you might wonder if they can lean more towards being carnivores. Chickens do enjoy hunting for insects, worms and other small creatures like I said above, but their diet is not limited to just meat. In fact, chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Relying solely on a carnivorous diet would leave them deficient in a lot of important nutrients. Chickens need high-quality chicken feed and occasional treats to ensure they get all the vitamins and minerals required for good health. So, while chickens can and do eat meat, they are not strictly carnivores. They thrive on a diverse diet that includes both animal and plant matter.

Can Chickens Eat Anything?

Chickens are curious creatures with a seemingly insatiable appetite, but can they eat anything? No! While chickens are omnivores, it’s important to know what’s safe and what’s not for your feathered friends.

Safe Treats for Chickens

Chickens can enjoy a wide variety of foods. Fruits like watermelon, berries and apples (without seeds) are healthy and hydrating. Vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots and peas are also great for them. Grains like oats, corn and barley provide essential nutrients and energy. Additionally, insects in your yard like beetles, grasshoppers and worms.

Along with these safe treats, I also like to give my chickens Happy Tract and Golden Graze. These treats are specifically designed to be safe and nutritious, helping to boost their immune systems and improve egg quality. They’re a wonderful supplement to their diet, ensuring my chickens stay healthy and happy, and they can be given daily!

Foods to Avoid

However, not all foods are safe for chickens. Avoid feeding them raw potatoes, avocado pits and skins, chocolate and anything moldy or spoiled. These can be toxic and cause serious health issues! Also, steer clear of salty or sugary foods, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Moderation is Key

While chickens can eat a variety of foods, moderation is essential. Too many treats can unbalance their diet. A high-quality chicken feed should be their main source of nutrition, supplemented with safe treats to keep them happy and healthy.

What Do Chickens Eat?

Chickens have a varied diet that can include:

1. Grains: This is a staple in their diet. Chicken feed often contains a mix of corn, wheat, barley and oats.

2. Vegetables and Fruits: Chickens enjoy leafy greens, carrots, apples (without seeds), berries and melons. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Insects and Small Creatures: Chickens naturally forage for bugs, worms and small insects. These provide protein and are a natural part of their diet.

4. Kitchen Scraps: Leftover vegetables, rice, pasta (not coated in sauce or cheese) and bread can be given to chickens, but again, avoid salty, sugary or fatty foods.

5. Specialty Feeds: High-quality commercial feeds are designed to ensure chickens get a balanced diet. These feeds often include essential nutrients like calcium and proteins to support egg production.

A balanced diet is crucial for chickens to maintain their health, produce quality eggs and lead a happy life. And I can’t stress this enough, always ensure they have access to fresh water and avoid feeding them harmful foods.

What I Feed My Chickens

Free-ranging chickens tend to have a more balanced diet made up of what they find naturally free ranging, while chickens kept “cooped up” or caged may require a more carefully planned diet.

I always provide my flock with a good high quality feed along with their free range time. My chickens don’t always get to free range either because of predators which is another important reason to have a high quality food. I spotted a coyote mid day last week running through the alfalfa field right behind our house. Yikes!

The girls are throwing a fit every time I keep them inside their run, but it’s for their own good right now. In cases like this, keeping high quality chicken food for them is to make sure their cute little bodies are getting all they need to stay healthy. I also always provide access to clean water, as hydration is a vital part of their diet. I always include Chicken E-lixir in my chicken’s water. It’s a daily vitamin for your flock that includes organic oregano oil, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, calcium and electrolytes to keep your chickens at their best!

I love giving my chickens daily treats. Our go-tos are Happy Tract and Golden Graze. While I occasionally share their favorite fruits and veggies like watermelon and zucchini, I have peace of mind knowing that Happy Tract and Golden Graze are safe, nutritious treats that boost their immune systems and improve egg quality!

Ultimately, chickens are smart and usually know what they can and cannot eat. They also have their favorites which include both meat and plants! So, the next time you’re chatting with someone and the topic of chicken diets comes up, you’ll be all set to explain that chickens are indeed omnivores. They love variety and are quite the foodies in their own right!

Until next time,

-The Wing Lady

Chicken lice may not be the most glamorous topic, but they’re a critical concern for chicken owners everywhere. These pesky pests are becoming more prevalent, especially among free-range flocks and backyard flocks.

Let’s take a closer look at chicken lice, understand why they’re becoming more problematic and uncover effective treatment and prevention strategies, including the role of diatomaceous earth.

Why Are Chicken Lice Becoming a Bigger Problem?

Lice aren’t exactly new to the poultry scene, but recent research has highlighted their increasing significance. Historically, lice were not considered major pests for chickens. However, a groundbreaking study by UC Riverside, published in Parasites & Vectors, has changed that perspective.

The study revealed that lice are feeding on the skin and blood of free-range chickens, infecting them at much higher rates than caged flocks. This is particularly relevant in states like California where cage-free egg production is the norm.

The research uncovered unexpected findings, including skin lesions associated with chicken body lice, which had not been documented before.

Signs and Symptoms of Chicken Lice

Recognizing chicken lice early can save you a lot of trouble. Here’s what to watch for:

• Bald Spots and Feather Loss: One of the most noticeable signs of lice infestation is bald patches or a significant loss of feathers. Lice feed on the skin, which can lead to irritation and feather loss.

• Excessive Pecking and Itching: Chickens with lice often peck at themselves more than usual and preen excessively as well as exhibit signs of itching or discomfort. This behavior can lead to more feather loss and skin damage.

• Reduced Egg Production: Lice infestations can stress your chickens, leading to decreased egg production. If you notice a drop in eggs, it might be worth checking for lice.

• Visible Lice: Sometimes, you may see the lice themselves. They’re small, wingless insects that can be hard to spot without close inspection. They typically live close to the skin and feathers and look similar to sesame seeds.

Picture source: Life and leisure blog – Lice on a chicken

Picture source: Infovet – Chicken lice under a microscope

Preventing Lice on Chickens

Prevention is always better than a cure, and with chicken lice, there are several proactive steps you can take:

1. Maintain Clean Housing: Regularly clean and disinfect your chickens’ coop and nesting areas. Lice thrive in dirty environments, so keeping things clean can help deter them.

2. Monitor and Isolate New Birds: If you’re introducing new chickens to your flock, keep them isolated until you’re sure they’re lice-free. This will prevent any potential spread of pests to your existing flock.

3. Regular Inspections: Frequently check your chickens for signs of lice. Early detection can prevent a small problem from becoming a big issue. Make sure to quarantine birds with lice until they’re gone.

4. Proper Nutrition: Healthy chickens are better equipped to fend off pests. Ensure your flock is getting a balanced diet to maintain their overall health.

5. Pest Control: While it’s difficult to completely prevent wild birds, you can reduce rodent presence by sealing gaps, storing food off the ground or in secure containers and keeping the coop area clean. Additionally, remove eggs daily to avoid attracting rodents.

Treating Lice on Chickens

Don’t panic if you find lice on your chickens. Chicken lice are host-specific and can’t survive on humans or non-bird domestic pets. They can only feed on one or a few closely related animal species. And luckily, there are several effective treatment options available to help manage the situation and keep your flock healthy.

One of the most common treatments is using permethrin sprays. Permethrin is a widely used insecticide that effectively kills lice on contact. When using permethrin, it’s essential to carefully follow the instructions provided on the product. This ensures that the treatment is applied safely and effectively without causing harm to your chickens. It’s important to cover the entire body of the chicken, paying particular attention to areas where lice and nits (lice eggs) may hide, such as under the wings and around the vent.

For those who prefer a more natural approach, there are alternative remedies like natural dust baths. One popular choice among chicken owners is diatomaceous earth, a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms.

Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled in the areas where chickens typically dust bathe like Preen Queen dust bath additive. When chickens roll in the dust, the diatomaceous earth gets into their feathers and onto their skin, helping to remove moisture and kill lice. It’s important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth and to apply it in well-ventilated areas to avoid respiratory issues for both you and your chickens.

 

Myths About Diatomaceous Earth for Chickens

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a popular natural remedy among poultry keepers, but there are a few myths surrounding its use:

• It’s Not a Pesticide: DE works by physically damaging the exoskeletons of insects, not through chemical action. It’s not a traditional pesticide, but it can still be effective in controlling lice and mites.

• It’s Safe in Moderation: When used correctly, DE is safe for chickens. However, excessive use or inhalation of dust can be harmful. Always use it in well-ventilated areas and in moderation. Read the directions carefully on the packaging before using.

• It’s Not a Cure-All: DE can help control lice, but it’s not a guaranteed solution for severe infestations. It’s best used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Always consult your veterinarian for serious infestations.

Diatomaceous Earth for Chicken Lice and Mites

As stated above, diatomaceous earth can be a valuable tool in managing chicken lice and mites. Here’s how to use it effectively:

Application Methods

1. Dust Bath Additive:

• Usage: Mix food-grade diatomaceous earth, such as Preen Queen, into your chickens’ dust bath areas. This allows chickens to coat themselves with the powder, helping eliminate lice and mites on their bodies.

• Application: Sprinkle a generous amount of Preen Queen containing DE into the dust bath and mix it thoroughly with the soil or sand. This helps the DE reach the chickens’ skin as they bathe, providing a natural way to control parasites.

2. Litter Treatment:

• Usage: Apply DE directly to the bedding and the coop floor to target lice and mites in the chickens’ environment. We recommend using Coop Recuperate. This method helps reduce the risk of re-infestation by addressing the habitat where parasites may live and breed.

• Application: After cleaning the coop, sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade DE, like Coop Recuperate, across the entire floor and mix it into the bedding material. This will help keep the environment inhospitable for parasites.

 

Frequency of DE

• Regular Reapplication: Consistently apply DE, especially after cleaning the coop or refreshing the bedding. We recommend applying Coop Recuperate at least two times per week for prevention. Regular use helps maintain control over lice and mite populations, ensuring a healthier environment for your chickens.

Bottom line, while chicken lice might seem like a small issue, they can have a significant impact on your flock’s health and productivity! Remember, a clean environment, using DE and regular checks are your best defense against these unwelcome pests!

Best,

-Strong Animals Team