When we were going into our first summer of raising meat chickens on our homestead, I wondered what to feed them. I had heard of so many different options. If you also wonder what to feed your meat chickens, then you are not alone!
After my research, I realized there were so many different options because there were so many different opinions. Meat chickens can be finicky, and honestly, hard to keep alive.
They are not normal chickens. They have been bred to grow to full adult weight in only 8 weeks (males) to 10 weeks (females). Because they grow so fast they can die from various organ failures and heart attacks. The meat chicken’s organs are trying to keep up with the quick growth of the body. If they can’t keep up, the chicken will die.
On the other hand, if you feed too little protein, then you are left with smaller birds on harvesting day which defeats the purpose, or birds that die prematurely because they aren’t getting enough. They can also have broken legs if they grow too fast.
They can be both overfed and underfed quite easily. That’s why there is so much thought and contradicting opinions behind what you should feed your meat chickens.
Raising meat chickens, and I am specifically talking about Cornish Cross birds, is a balancing act.
This past summer we raised meat chickens for the first time and took our own unique approach. We did lose 4 birds over the course of their lives, which you can read more about here.
Let’s dive into the options…
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This plan is simple. You feed your meat chickens the same thing their entire life. A big aspect of this plan is removing the feed at night from the meat chickens once they hit about 4 weeks old.
The protein content is too high for the chickens to eat all day and night, which they will do! 12 hours on, and 12 hours off is recommended.
We began our meat chicken feeding plan with this concept but then also decided to drop down to an 18% protein feed about halfway through their lives after we had a couple of birds die. This more closely aligns with the next option.
Related Post: 11 Mistakes We Made Raising Meat Chickens For The First Time
Several websites recommend a feeding plan for your Cornish Cross meat chickens that changes over time. For example, start with a 20% protein content starter/grower feed in the first few weeks of their lives. Then drop down to an 18% protein content feed for a few more weeks. Lastly, finish them off with a regular layer feed of about 16%.
This is more closely the model we followed. However, after purchasing moldy feed for a certain brand 3 different times, we ended up just resorting to the 20% starter/grower feed to finish off the birds.
At the feed store, you can also find bags of chicken feed that are specifically listed for meat chickens only. What makes these different and should you use them?
These feeds are much higher in protein and usually say they have more essential vitamins and minerals for the birds to grow quicker and stronger. They are one-size-fits and can be fed from hatch to butcher day.
If you choose to remove the feed at night, that is a personal choice and not necessarily recommended.
For many people, this high protein level scares them. For others, they think it is necessary for the best results. Maybe, one year experiment with this feeding plan and see if you are pleased with the results.
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I have heard of people feeding their meat chickens either whole turkey feed or turkey feed mixed in with regular layer feed. They do this because turkey feed is much higher in protein.
However, this is something I would not recommend. It is too high for meat chickens, and any chickens in general to handle. There is a reason you cannot find 26% protein content chicken feed in the store.
Please avoid an all-purpose bird feed or turkey feed for your meat chickens. Feed your meat chickens a different option from the choices above.
Related Post: How To Make Easy Passive Income While Homesteading or Farming
Medicated Feed? Organic Feed?
Some people choose to vaccinate their meat chickens and/or feed them medicated feed for the first few weeks of life. A medicated feed protects the chicks from contracting coccidia, an internal infestation.
Because we are going to be eating these birds we personally do not vaccinate or give the meat birds medicated feed.
As far as organic feed, we find this extremely important. However, sometimes the budget does not allow for it. We wanted to raise meat chickens this summer and feed them an organic diet, but we could not stretch ourselves that thin financially.
Instead of not raising meat chickens at all, we decided to not do an organic feed and just your average feed from the feed store. Pasture-raised chickens still have so many fantastic benefits compared to store-bought meat.
Next year, we will save up more money and be ready for the costs of organic feed. In fact, I made an infographic to share with others.
If you can’t afford organic feed this year, I would encourage you to still raise meat chickens. In future years you can make the switch to organic!
Important Things To Remember
While we do pasture raise our meat chickens, they cannot live on bugs and grass alone. These are supplemental to their diet.
Meat chickens need a high protein diet to survive their quick life and be a great butchering weight. The level of protein that you feed your meat chickens is your decision. Experiment with different options each year and find what works best for you!
Always monitor your chickens and be sure they always have access to fresh water and shade. Place the water bucket far away from the feed bucket to force the birds to walk and exercise. Movement is extremely important to keep meat chickens healthy and alive.
As depressing as it is to say, expect to lose a couple of birds no matter what plan you follow. Meat chickens grow fast and also have environmental challenges to overcome as well. The best decision you can make is what your budget allows and what you feel in your gut makes the most sense.
What option are you doing for your meat chickens? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Kelsey at GoodPointGrandma
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