Quick Answer
Start by matching your chicken's age and purpose to the right feed: use pullet developer for growing hens, hen scratch as a treat, and cracked corn for extra energy in cold weather.
Why Age and Purpose Matter
Chickens have different nutritional needs depending on whether they are chicks, pullets, laying hens, or roosters. Feeding the wrong ration can lead to poor growth, low egg production, or health problems. A pullet developer is formulated for young hens before they start laying, while hen scratch and cracked corn are supplemental feeds, not complete diets.
The Role of Treats and Scratch Grains
Scratch grains like hen scratch and cracked corn are popular treats that encourage natural foraging behavior. However, they are lower in protein and calcium than layer feed or pullet developer. Overfeeding scratch can unbalance your flock's nutrition, so limit scratch to no more than 10% of their daily intake.
Steps to Choose the Right Chicken Feed
- Identify Your Chicken's Life Stage: Chicks under 8 weeks need starter feed (18-20% protein). Pullets from 8 to 18-20 weeks need a grower or pullet developer like Dr. Jim Z Pullet Developer. Laying hens need a complete layer feed with calcium. Roosters and non-laying hens can eat a maintenance feed or layer feed in moderation. Feeding layer feed to chicks can cause kidney damage due to excess calcium.
- Choose a Complete Feed First: A complete feed contains all the protein, vitamins, and minerals your flock needs. For pullets, Dr. Jim Z Pullet Developer is formulated to support healthy growth. For laying hens, select a layer feed with around 16% protein and added calcium. Always check the label to confirm it says 'complete feed' – otherwise, it is a supplement.
- Add Scratch Grains as a Treat Only: Scratch grains like Dr. Jim Z Hen Scratch or Dr. Jim Z Cracked Corn are not complete feeds. They are lower in protein and calcium. Offer scratch in the afternoon so your chickens fill up on balanced feed first. Limit to a small handful per bird per day. Overfeeding scratch can lead to obesity and reduced egg production.
- Adjust for Season and Weather: In cold weather, chickens need extra energy to stay warm. Cracked corn is a good source of carbohydrates for this purpose. In hot weather, reduce scratch and corn to prevent overheating and obesity. Always provide fresh, clean water. Cracked corn is a cold-weather supplement, not a year-round staple.
- Store Feed Properly: Chicken feed should be stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to prevent mold, pests, and spoilage. Buy only what you can use within a month or two to ensure freshness. Zamzows bags are designed for short-term storage, but a metal or plastic bin is ideal. Moldy feed can cause serious health issues like aspergillosis in chickens.
Products Mentioned
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Dr Jim Z Pullet Developer 50 LB: Dr. Jim Z Pullet Developer is formulated with locally sourced Idaho ingredients and blended at the historic Zamzows feed mill in Meridian, with over 90 years of experience. This feed provides the balanced protein and nutrients that growing pullets need before they start laying, helping them develop strong bones and healthy bodies.
Dr Jim Z Pullet Developer 50 LB
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Dr Jim Z Hen Scratch 25 LB: Dr. Jim Z Hen Scratch is a premium feed made with locally sourced ingredients, designed to support happy, healthy backyard chickens. Use hen scratch as a treat to encourage natural scratching and pecking behavior, but remember it is not a complete feed and should be limited.
Dr Jim Z Hen Scratch 25 LB
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Dr Jim Z Cracked Corn 50 LB: Dr. Jim Z Cracked Corn is a high-quality feed crafted by Zamzows for backyard flocks, using locally sourced ingredients and over 90 years of milling tradition. Cracked corn is an excellent energy supplement during cold months, but it lacks protein and calcium, so it should never replace a complete layer feed.
