Types of Chicken Feed in Kenya [For Every Age]

The choice of chicken feed depends on the specific needs of the chickens and the production goals. Different types of chicken feeds cater to various stages of growth and purposes, such as chick starter, grower feed, layer feed, and broiler feed.

Here are some common types of chicken feed in Kenya:

Starter feed: This feed is formulated for newly-hatched chicks up to 6 weeks of age. It contains higher protein levels (around 20-24%) to support proper growth and development.
Grower feed: After the starter phase, chickens transition to grower feed, which is typically given from 6 to 16 weeks of age. It has a slightly lower protein content (around 16-20%) compared to the starter feed.
Layer feed: Layer feed is specifically designed for laying hens to support egg production. It usually contains higher levels of calcium and lower protein content (around 15-17%). Layer feed may also come in different variants based on the stage of laying, such as pre-lay, peak production, and maintenance feed.
Broiler feed: Broiler feed is formulated for meat-producing chickens. It typically has higher protein levels (around 20-24%) to support rapid growth and muscle development.

Starter Feed

Starter feed is a specialized type of feed formulated for newly hatched chicks during their early stages of growth. It is designed to provide the necessary nutrients and support their development during this crucial period.

The main purpose of starter feed is to promote healthy growth, provide essential nutrients, and establish a strong foundation for the chicks’ overall well-being. Here are some key features and characteristics of starter feed:

Nutrient composition: Starter feed is typically high in protein to support rapid growth and muscle development in young chicks. It usually contains around 20-24% protein to meet their high nutritional requirements.
Digestibility: Starter feed is formulated to be easily digestible for young chicks with developing digestive systems. The ingredients are finely ground or pelletized to enhance digestibility and promote efficient nutrient absorption.
Balanced nutrition: Starter feed is formulated to provide a balanced blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to meet the specific needs of growing chicks. These nutrients help support bone development, feather growth, immune function, and overall health.
Medications or supplements: In some cases, starter feed may contain medications or supplements to prevent or treat common health issues in chicks, such as coccidiosis. These additives may include coccidiostats or probiotics to promote intestinal health.
Feeding duration: Starter feed is typically given to chicks from day one until around 6 weeks of age, depending on the specific recommendations for the breed and production goals.

Starter feed should be of high quality and sourced from reputable manufacturers to ensure that it meets the necessary nutritional standards. Providing the right starter feed and following appropriate feeding practices are crucial for the healthy development and growth of young chicks in chicken farming.

Grower Feed

Grower feed is formulated for chickens in the intermediate stage of growth, typically from 6 to 16 weeks of age.

This feed is designed to support the growth and development of chickens as they transition from the starter phase to the point of reaching sexual maturity or market weight, depending on the purpose of farming (meat or egg production). Here are some key features and considerations of grower feed:

Nutrition: Grower feed typically has a balanced composition of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The protein content is slightly lower compared to starter feed, usually ranging from 16% to 20%. The nutrient ratios are designed to meet the specific needs of growing chickens during this stage.
Energy Levels: The feed provides an appropriate level of energy to support steady growth without promoting excessive weight gain. This helps maintain the right balance between growth and overall health.
Nutrient Density: Grower feed has a lower nutrient density compared to starter feed since the chickens’ growth rate is slower during this phase. The nutrient density gradually decreases as the birds approach maturity.
Bone Development: Adequate calcium and phosphorus levels are essential in grower feed to support proper bone development and skeletal strength.
Health and Immunity: Grower feed often contains additional vitamins and minerals to support the birds’ overall health and boost their immune system. This helps protect them from common diseases and stress-related issues.
Feeding Management: It’s important to provide grower feed in appropriate quantities and ensure access to clean water at all times. Feeding guidelines may vary based on the specific breed, growth rate, and farming objectives.

Remember, the exact composition of grower feed can vary depending on the specific brand or manufacturer. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a local veterinarian, poultry nutritionist, or an expert in chicken farming for precise recommendations based on the requirements of your flock and the local conditions in your area.

Layer Feed

Layer feed is a specialized type of chicken feed formulated specifically for laying hens. The feed is designed to provide the necessary nutrients and balanced diet required to support optimal egg production in chickens.

Layer feed typically contains specific ingredients and nutrient levels tailored to meet the unique requirements of laying hens.

Here are some key features of layer feed:

Protein content: Layer feed generally contains a moderate protein level, usually around 15-17%. This level of protein is sufficient for supporting egg production without excessive protein intake, which could lead to issues like fatty liver syndrome.
Calcium content: Calcium is a vital component of layer feed since hens require an adequate supply of calcium to form strong eggshells. Layer feed contains higher levels of calcium compared to other types of chicken feed, typically ranging from 3.5-4%.
Vitamin and mineral balance: Layer feed is formulated to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals that laying hens require to maintain good health and produce high-quality eggs. Important vitamins and minerals include vitamin D, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, phosphorus, selenium, and others.
Omega-3 enrichment (optional): Some layer feeds are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which can enhance the nutritional profile of eggs by increasing their omega-3 content. This is achieved by including ingredients such as flaxseed or fish oil in the feed.

Usually, you give layer feed to hens once they reach the point of lay, usually around 18-20 weeks of age. Prior to that, chicks are usually fed starter feed and grower feed to support their growth and development.

Choosing a high-quality layer feed and ensuring access to clean water at all times is crucial for maintaining healthy and productive laying hens. Regular monitoring of the birds’ health, along with adjustments to feed quantity and quality based on production and environmental conditions, can help optimize egg production and overall flock performance.

Broiler Feed

Broiler feed is for raising broiler chickens, which are chickens raised for meat production. These chickens are bred and managed to grow rapidly and efficiently convert feed into muscle tissue.

The broiler feed provides the necessary nutrients to support their rapid growth and development.

Broiler feed typically contains a balanced combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Here are some key characteristics and considerations of broiler feed:

High protein content: Broilers have high protein requirements to support their rapid muscle growth. Broiler feed usually contains a higher percentage of protein compared to other types of poultry feeds. Protein content can range from around 20% to 24%, depending on the specific formulation and brand.
Optimal energy levels: Broilers need an energy-dense diet to fuel their rapid growth. The feed formulation ensures an appropriate balance of carbohydrates and fats to provide the required energy for efficient weight gain.
Nutrient density: Broiler feed is formulated to be highly nutritious and dense in essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This ensures that the birds receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth, skeletal development, and overall health.
Balanced formulation: A well-formulated broiler feed considers the specific nutrient requirements of broilers at different stages of growth. There are usually different feed types for the starter phase, grower phase, and finisher phase, with varying protein and energy levels to match the birds’ changing needs as they progress in age.
Feed additives: Some broiler feeds may include additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and growth promoters to enhance feed efficiency, digestion, and overall performance.

The Bottom Line

When choosing chicken feed, it’s essential to consider factors such as the bird’s age, breed, intended purpose (meat or egg production), and any specific dietary requirements or restrictions.

Consulting with a local veterinarian or poultry nutritionist can provide you with specific recommendations based on your chickens’ needs and local conditions in Kenya. Additionally, popular feed brands available in Kenya include Unga Feeds, Kienyeji Feeds, Pembe Feeds, and Nutri Feeds, among others.