Poultry & Bird Feed covers layer, starter, grower, and specialty rations for chickens, plus game bird, turkey, and wild bird feeds. We stock non-GMO and medicated options for every stage from chick to laying hen, backed by practical flock advice from people who raise birds too, right here in Delta.
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Poultry & Bird Feed Feeding Guide
What feed do chicks need versus laying hens?
Protein steps down with age. The fast early growth needs the most. Typical numbers: starters around 20–22% protein, growers around 17–20%, layers at 16–18%. The big shift is calcium: layer feed runs 3.5–4.5% calcium for shells, versus about 1% in starter and grower. Never feed layer ration to chicks or young pullets. The extra calcium damages their kidneys as they grow. Put out oyster shell or limestone grit free-choice alongside layer feed so hens can take what they need.
| Stage | Feed | Protein (typical) | Calcium (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicks, 0–6 weeks | Starter | 20–22% | ~1.0% |
| Pullets, 7–18 weeks | Grower | 17–20% | ~1.0% |
| Hens in lay | Layer | 16–18% | 3.5–4.5% |
Medicated or non-medicated starter, which should I choose?
"Medicated" chick starter almost always means it contains amprolium, a medicine that helps chicks build natural immunity to coccidiosis, a common gut parasite. It is not an antibiotic: it doesn't kill bacteria and won't cure birds that are already sick. It works by slowing the parasite down enough that chicks develop their own resistance through low-level exposure. Whether you need it depends on your setup and whether your chicks were vaccinated, ask us and we'll talk through it.
What non-GMO chicken feed do you carry?
If you want your flock off GMO grain, we stock non-GMO feed for every stage, from day-old chicks to laying hens. A quick note on terms: non-GMO is not the same as organic. These feeds are made without GMO ingredients, but they are not certified organic. If organic is what you want, ask us about certified organic options.
| Stage | Non-GMO option |
|---|---|
| Chicks, 0-6 weeks | Chick Starter 20% Protein Non-GMO |
| Meat birds | Broiler Feed 20% Protein Non-GMO |
| Hens in lay | Delta Layer Pellets Non-GMO, Laymash 16% Protein Non-GMO, Razorz Soy-Free Non-GMO Layer Feed |
| Treat (not a feed) | Razorz Scratch Grains Non-GMO |
| Turkeys and game birds | Gamebird Feed 28% Protein Non-GMO |
Two practical notes. First, switch feeds gradually: blend the old and new feed over 7 to 10 days so the birds keep eating and laying steady. Second, the Razorz layer is soy-free as well as non-GMO, a good pick for flocks that do better without soy. Buying for a big flock? Ask about bulk pricing, and remember orders placed by Monday night ride the Wednesday delivery truck.
What about scratch grain?
Scratch is a treat, not a feed. It should never be any bird's whole diet. It doesn't have the protein, vitamins, or minerals they need. For wild birds, we carry general-purpose blends for tube, hopper, and platform feeders. Feed year-round, and keep feeders clean and dry to protect your high-desert visitors.