Broiler Feeding Program: Starter, Grower, and Finisher Phases

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Broiler nutrition is phased to match growth: Starter (Days 1-14) requires 22-24% crude protein for frame and digestive development, Grower (Days 15-28) needs 20-22% protein for muscle and bone growth, and Finisher (Days 29-market) utilizes 18-20% protein to maximize weight gain and fat deposition.
• Feed form transitions from crumble for young chicks to pellets for older birds, with pellet size increasing to accommodate beak growth and improve feed conversion by minimizing selective feeding and waste.
• Critical management practices include providing 24-hour feed access, ensuring clean water within 3 feet of feeders, weighing birds weekly to monitor progress against breed targets, and never allowing feeders to run empty to prevent growth setbacks and digestive issues.
• Protein is crucial, but specific amino acids like methionine, lysine, and threonine are the true building blocks for muscle and feather development; commercial feeds are formulated to meet these precise requirements, not just total protein percentage.
• Feed represents 65-75% of broiler production costs, making efficient feed conversion paramount; wastage reduction through proper feeder management, correct height adjustment, and avoiding overfilling is essential for profitability.
• Monitoring feed intake, water consumption, and bird weight uniformity is vital; deviations from expected performance can indicate underlying issues such as disease, environmental stress, or feed quality problems requiring prompt investigation.

Raising broilers profitably depends on matching feed to the bird's changing needs at each stage of growth. This guide covers the three phase feeding program used by commercial and small scale producers: starter, grower, and finisher. It explains what each feed does, when to switch, how much to provide, and how to manage common feeding problems. The information is written for poultry farmers, farm workers, students, and anyone planning a broiler operation who wants a clear practical reference on broiler nutrition.

At a Glance

Key takeaways:

• Feed starter ration for the first two weeks. Do not extend this phase beyond 14 days.
• Switch to grower feed at day 15 and finisher feed at day 29 for a standard 6 to 7 week growout.
• Provide feed 24 hours a day. Broilers eat many small meals throughout the day.
• Clean water must always be available within 3 feet of the feed line.
• Weigh birds weekly to confirm they are tracking toward breed targets.
• Never run out of feed. An empty feeder for even a few hours can set back growth for days.
• Adjust feed intake based on actual bird weight, not just age. A slow growing flock may need starter feed longer than 14 days.

Understanding Broiler Nutrition and Growth Patterns

Broilers are bred for rapid weight gain. A modern broiler chick can reach 4.5 to 5 pounds in 6 to 7 weeks with the right feed and management. This remarkable growth rate places enormous demands on the bird's digestive and metabolic systems. Feed represents 65 to 75 percent of the total cost of raising broilers, so getting the feeding program right is the single most important financial decision on the farm.

Broilers do not grow at a constant rate. Their bodies change in composition and proportion as they age. In the first week, chicks are building the skeleton, internal organs, and digestive capacity. Muscle development becomes the priority in the middle weeks. In the final weeks, the bird deposits fat and finishes its frame. Each phase of the feeding program is designed to match these changing needs.

The three phase system exists because a single feed cannot serve all stages efficiently. A high protein feed that helps a day old chick build muscle would be wasteful and potentially harmful for a 6 week old bird nearing market weight. A lower protein feed that finishes a 5 pound broiler would starve a young chick of the amino acids it needs for early development. Matching the ration to the stage of growth improves feed conversion, reduces mortality, and lowers cost per pound of meat produced.

The Role of Protein and Amino Acids

Protein is the most expensive component of broiler feed and the most critical for growth. Broilers need protein to build muscle, feathers, skin, and internal organs. But the bird does not need protein as a single substance. It needs specific amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The most important of these are methionine, lysine, and threonine. A feed can have a high total protein percentage yet still be deficient in one essential amino acid, which will slow growth.

Commercial broiler feeds are formulated to meet amino acid requirements, not just total protein. When you buy a complete commercial feed, the manufacturer has already balanced the amino acid profile. If you mix your own feed, you must understand that simply hitting a crude protein percentage is not enough. You need a formulated ration that supplies all essential amino acids in the right proportions.

Energy Needs

Broilers also need energy, which comes from carbohydrates and fats in the feed. Corn is the primary energy source in most broiler diets. Fats and oils are added to increase energy density. Young chicks need a feed that is energy dense but not too high in fat, because their digestive systems are still developing. Older birds can handle higher fat levels, which help them gain weight quickly in the finisher phase.

The balance between protein and energy matters as much as the absolute levels. If a feed has too much energy relative to protein, birds will deposit excess fat. If it has too much protein relative to energy, birds will use protein for energy instead of muscle building, which is inefficient and expensive. Commercial feeds are formulated to hit the right protein to energy ratio for each phase.

Feed Form and Physical Form

Broilers perform best on pelleted feed. Pelleting improves feed conversion by reducing waste and making it easier for birds to eat. Birds cannot pick out preferred ingredients from a pellet the way they can from mash. Pellets also reduce dust and make feed handling easier.

Starter feed is often provided as a crumble, which is a pellet that has been broken into smaller pieces. Crumble is easier for young chicks to eat than whole pellets. Grower and finisher feeds are typically whole pellets. The pellet size increases slightly with each phase to match the growing bird's beak size.

The Starter Phase: Days 1 to 14

The starter phase is the most critical period in the broiler feeding program. During the first two weeks, the chick transitions from the yolk sac to solid feed, develops its digestive system, and builds the foundation for all future growth. Mistakes made in the starter phase are difficult to correct later.

Why Starter Feed Is Different

Starter feed has the highest protein level of any phase, typically 22 to 24 percent crude protein. This high protein supports the rapid development of muscle and bone tissue. Starter feed also contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals to support the immature immune system and digestive tract.

The amino acid profile of starter feed is especially important. Lysine and methionine levels are set higher than in later phases because chicks need these amino acids for early muscle development. Starter feed also includes coccidiostats and other additives to protect young birds from disease.

Starter feed is more finely ground and processed than grower or finisher feed. The crumble form makes it easy for small chicks to pick up and swallow. The feed is also highly digestible, because the chick's digestive system is still developing and cannot handle complex feed ingredients efficiently.

Feeding Management in the Starter Phase

Chicks should have access to feed within 2 to 3 hours of placement in the brooder. Do not wait for all chicks to find the feeder on their own. Place feed on paper liners or in shallow lids for the first 3 to 5 days to make it easy for chicks to find. After a few days, move to tube feeders or pan feeders.

Provide at least 1 linear inch of feeder space per chick in the first week. This increases to 2 inches by the end of the starter phase. If feeder space is inadequate, some chicks will not get enough feed, leading to uneven growth and increased mortality.

Check feeders at least three times daily during the starter phase. Chicks eat frequently and need a constant supply of fresh feed. Do not let feeders run empty. Empty feeders cause chicks to eat bedding or litter, which can lead to impacted crops and digestive problems.

Water is especially important during the starter phase. Chicks drink about 2 times as much water as they eat feed by weight. Provide 1 gallon of water per 100 chicks at placement, increasing to 2 gallons per 100 chicks by day 7. Water should be fresh, clean, and at room temperature for the first few days. Chilled water can cause chicks to stop drinking, leading to dehydration.

Starter Phase Duration

The standard starter phase lasts 14 days. Some producers extend it to 21 days for slower growing breeds or when chicks are small at placement. Others shorten it to 10 days for fast growing flocks. The correct duration depends on the breed, the target market weight, and the actual weight of the birds.

Weigh a sample of birds at day 7 and day 14. Compare their weights to the breed standard. If birds are below the target weight at day 14, continue starter feed for a few more days. If they are above target, you may switch to grower feed early. However, never switch before day 12, as the chick's digestive system needs time to adapt to the higher energy content of grower feed.

Common Starter Phase Mistakes

Overcrowding is the most common starter phase error. Too many chicks per square foot means some birds cannot reach feed or water. This creates uneven growth and increases mortality. Provide at least 0.5 square feet per chick in the first week, increasing to 0.75 square feet by day 14.

Poor lighting is another frequent problem. Chicks need bright light for the first few days to find feed and water. Provide 24 hours of light for the first 48 hours, then reduce to 20 hours. Dim light during the starter phase reduces feed intake and slows growth.

Starting chicks on grower feed to save money is a false economy. Grower feed has less protein and different amino acid levels. Chicks on grower feed will grow slower and may develop leg problems. The savings on feed cost are far less than the losses from reduced performance.

The Grower Phase: Days 15 to 28

The grower phase bridges the gap between the delicate starter period and the heavy finishing period. During these two weeks, broilers build muscle rapidly and develop the skeletal structure that will support their final body weight. The grower ration has less protein than starter but more energy, supporting efficient weight gain.

Grower Feed Composition

Grower feed typically contains 20 to 22 percent crude protein. The energy level is slightly higher than starter feed, usually achieved by adding more fat or oil. This energy increase supports the rapid weight gain that begins in the third week.

The amino acid profile of grower feed is adjusted to support muscle growth while allowing for some fat deposition. Lysine and methionine levels are still important but slightly lower than in starter feed. Grower feed also contains higher levels of calcium and phosphorus to support the developing skeleton.

Some producers use a single feed for the entire growout period, skipping the separate grower phase. This is called a two phase program. While simpler, it is less efficient than a three phase program. The single feed is a compromise that does not match the bird's needs as precisely. Most commercial operations use three phases because the improved feed conversion pays for the extra management effort.

Feeding Management in the Grower Phase

Switch to grower feed at day 15. Make the transition gradually over 2 to 3 days if possible. Mix increasing amounts of grower feed with decreasing amounts of starter feed. This gradual transition reduces digestive upset. If you cannot mix feeds, simply switch at day 15 and watch for signs of loose droppings for a few days.

Feeder space should increase to 2.5 to 3 inches per bird during the grower phase. As birds grow, they need more room at the feeder. Overcrowding at feeders causes competition, which leads to uneven growth and increased stress. Adjust feeder height so the lip of the feeder is at the bird's back level. This reduces feed wastage and makes eating easier.

Check feeders twice daily during the grower phase. Birds eat more total feed each day, but the frequency of eating decreases. Keep feeders at least half full at all times. Do not allow feeders to run completely empty, as this causes gorging when feed is finally provided, which can lead to digestive problems.

Water consumption increases significantly during the grower phase. Provide 3 to 4 gallons of water per 100 birds per day at the start of the grower phase, increasing to 5 gallons by day 28. Clean water lines and nipples regularly to ensure adequate flow. A blocked water line can cause dehydration and severe growth depression within hours.

Grower Phase Monitoring

Weigh birds at day 21 and day 28. Compare to breed targets. A typical fast growing broiler should weigh about 1.5 to 2 pounds at day 21 and 2.5 to 3.5 pounds at day 28. If birds are significantly below target, check feed intake and water consumption. Low feed intake is usually caused by environmental stress, disease, or poor feed quality.

Monitor feed conversion during the grower phase. Feed conversion is the pounds of feed required to produce one pound of live weight. Good feed conversion at day 28 is around 1.4 to 1.6. If feed conversion is above 1.8, birds are wasting feed or not gaining as expected. Check for feed wastage, which can be significant if feeders are overfilled or set at the wrong height.

Grower Phase Problems

Leg problems often appear during the grower phase. Rapid weight gain places stress on developing bones and joints. If birds are on a diet too high in energy or too low in calcium and phosphorus, leg problems can develop. Ensure the grower feed meets the breed's requirements for calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3.

Sudden feed changes can cause digestive upset. If you must change feed brands or formulations, do it gradually over 5 to 7 days. Mix the old and new feeds in increasing proportions. A sudden change can cause diarrhea, reduced feed intake, and growth depression.

Heat stress becomes more of a concern as birds grow larger. Larger birds produce more body heat and have more trouble dissipating it. Ensure adequate ventilation and provide cool, fresh water at all times. During hot weather, consider feeding during the cooler parts of the day and removing feed during the hottest hours to reduce heat production.

The Finisher Phase: Day 29 to Market

The finisher phase is the final push to market weight. During this period, broilers gain weight more rapidly than at any other time, but the efficiency of that gain declines. The finisher ration is designed to maximize weight gain while controlling fat deposition and maintaining meat quality.

Finisher Feed Composition

Finisher feed contains 18 to 20 percent crude protein, the lowest of any phase. The energy level is the highest, achieved through added fats and oils. This high energy, lower protein combination supports rapid weight gain and the deposition of finish fat that contributes to meat quality and flavor.

The amino acid profile of finisher feed is carefully balanced. While total protein is lower, the essential amino acids are still present in adequate amounts. Lysine and methionine levels are maintained to support continued muscle growth. The calcium and phosphorus levels are adjusted to maintain bone strength without excess.

Some producers add growth promoters or other additives to finisher feed. These are regulated products and must be used according to label directions. Withdrawal periods must be observed for any medication added to the feed. The withdrawal period is the time between the last administration of a medication and the slaughter of the bird. Failure to observe withdrawal periods can result in drug residues in meat, which is illegal and dangerous.

Feeding Management in the Finisher Phase

Switch to finisher feed at day 29. As with the grower transition, make the change gradually over 2 to 3 days. The higher energy content of finisher feed can cause digestive upset if introduced too quickly. Watch for loose droppings and reduced feed intake during the transition period.

Feeder space should be 3 to 4 inches per bird during the finisher phase. This is the maximum feeder space requirement. Ensure feeders are easily accessible and at the correct height. Adjust feeder height weekly as birds grow. The feeder lip should be at the bird's back level.

Birds eat the most total feed during the finisher phase, but the amount per bird per day varies with breed and target weight. A typical broiler eats 0.3 to 0.4 pounds of feed per day during the finisher phase. Total feed consumption for a 6 week growout is about 9 to 10 pounds per bird.

Monitor feed intake daily during the finisher phase. A sudden drop in feed intake can signal disease, heat stress, or a feed quality problem. Act quickly if feed intake falls. Early intervention can prevent significant losses.

Finisher Phase Duration

The finisher phase lasts until birds reach market weight, typically day 35 to 49 depending on the target weight and breed. Some producers use a longer finisher phase for heavier birds destined for further processing. Others use a shorter finisher phase for lighter birds for the whole bird market.

Weigh birds at day 35 and every few days thereafter. Compare to market weight targets. A typical broiler reaches 4.5 to 5 pounds at day 42 to 49. When birds reach the target weight, schedule processing. Delaying processing beyond the target weight increases feed costs and may result in excess fat.

Some producers use a withdrawal feed during the last 3 to 5 days before processing. Withdrawal feed contains no medications and is designed to clear drug residues from the bird's system. If you use medicated feed during the finisher phase, you must use a withdrawal feed or observe the withdrawal period specified on the feed label.

Finisher Phase Problems

Excess fat deposition is a common finisher phase problem. Birds gain fat rapidly if the feed has too much energy relative to protein. Excess fat reduces feed conversion, increases processing costs, and may reduce meat quality. If birds are gaining too much fat, switch to a lower energy finisher feed or process birds earlier.

Sudden death syndrome can occur during the finisher phase, especially in fast growing birds. This condition causes apparently healthy birds to die suddenly, often during handling or stress. The exact cause is unknown, but it is associated with rapid growth, high energy diets, and metabolic stress. Reducing feed during the last week may help reduce losses.

Ascites, also called water belly, can develop during the finisher phase. This condition is caused by increased pressure in the pulmonary blood vessels, leading to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. It is more common in fast growing birds at high altitudes or in cold weather. Reducing growth rate through feed restriction may help manage ascites.

Feed Budgeting and Cost Management

Feed represents the largest cost in broiler production, typically 65 to 75 percent of total production costs. Managing feed costs without sacrificing performance requires careful planning and monitoring. A feed budget helps you predict feed needs, control costs, and identify problems early.

Calculating Feed Requirements

A standard broiler growout to 5 pounds requires about 9 to 10 pounds of feed per bird. This breaks down to approximately:

• Starter feed: 1.5 to 2 pounds per bird
• Grower feed: 3 to 3.5 pounds per bird
• Finisher feed: 4.5 to 5 pounds per bird

These amounts vary with breed, feed quality, environmental conditions, and management. Use them as starting points and adjust based on actual flock performance.

To calculate total feed needs for a flock, multiply the expected feed per bird by the number of birds. Add 5 to 10 percent for wastage and mortality. Order feed in advance to ensure a constant supply. Running out of feed during any phase will set back growth and reduce profitability.

Reducing Feed Wastage

Feed wastage can account for 5 to 15 percent of total feed used. Reducing wastage is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. Common causes of wastage include:

• Overfilled feeders that allow birds to scratch feed out
• Feeders set at the wrong height
• Damaged feeders with holes or broken parts
• Poor feed quality that birds reject
• Excessive heat or humidity that causes feed to spoil

Check feeders daily for damage and adjust height as birds grow. Fill feeders to no more than two-thirds full. Clean up spilled feed promptly to prevent mold and attract pests.

Buying Feed

Buying feed in bulk reduces cost per pound but requires storage facilities. Feed must be stored in a clean, dry, rodent proof area. Feed that gets wet or contaminated can cause disease and reduce performance. Do not buy more feed than you can use within 2 to 3 weeks, as feed quality degrades over time.

Compare feed prices from different suppliers, but do not choose feed based on price alone. The cheapest feed is not always the most economical. Consider feed conversion, bird performance, and the supplier's reputation. A feed that costs 10 percent more but improves feed conversion by 5 percent may be a better value.

Feed Restriction Programs

Some producers use feed restriction programs to control growth and reduce costs. Feed restriction involves limiting the amount of feed provided or the hours of feed access. This is used in some free range and pasture raised systems to slow growth and improve bird health.

Feed restriction must be done carefully. Broilers are not naturally good at compensating for feed restriction. If restricted too severely, they will not catch up in weight. Restriction is typically used only in the finisher phase and should be based on bird weight, not just time. Consult your extension agent or nutritionist before starting a feed restriction program.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping

Good recordkeeping is essential for managing a broiler feeding program. Records help you track performance, identify problems, and make informed decisions. Without records, you are operating on guesswork.

What to Record

Keep daily records of:

• Feed added to each house or pen
• Feed remaining in bins
• Number of birds
• Mortality and culls
• Water consumption
• Temperature and weather conditions
• Any unusual observations or problems

Keep weekly records of:

• Average bird weight
• Feed conversion
• Total feed consumed
• Cumulative mortality
• Body weight uniformity

Weighing Birds

Weigh a sample of birds weekly. Weigh at least 20 to 30 birds from different areas of the house. Use a scale accurate to 0.1 pound. Weigh birds at the same time of day, preferably in the morning before feeding. Compare weights to breed targets.

Body weight uniformity is as important as average weight. Uniform flocks are easier to manage and process. Calculate uniformity by weighing a sample of 50 to 100 birds and determining the percentage within 10 percent of the average weight. Good uniformity is 80 percent or higher. Poor uniformity indicates feeder or water access problems, disease, or uneven brooding conditions.

Feed Conversion Tracking

Feed conversion is the most important measure of feeding program efficiency. Calculate it as:

Feed conversion = Total feed consumed (pounds) / Total live weight gained (pounds)

For example, if a flock of 1000 birds consumed 9000 pounds of feed and gained 4500 pounds of live weight, the feed conversion is 2.0. Good feed conversion for a 6 week growout is 1.6 to 1.8.

Track feed conversion weekly. A sudden increase in feed conversion indicates a problem. Check for feed wastage, disease, environmental stress, or feed quality issues.

Using Records to Make Decisions

Records help you decide when to switch feeds, when to process, and when to call for help. Compare your flock's performance to breed targets and your own historical records. If performance is consistently below target, investigate the cause and make changes.

Records also help you evaluate feed suppliers and feed formulations. If one feed consistently produces better results than another at a similar cost, switch to the better feed. If your records show seasonal patterns in feed conversion, adjust your feeding program accordingly.

Common Feeding Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many broiler feeding problems are caused by common, preventable mistakes. Recognizing these mistakes and correcting them quickly can save money and reduce losses.

Mistake 1: Running Out of Feed

Running out of feed, even for a few hours, causes birds to gorge when feed is restored. This gorging can lead to digestive upset, impacted crops, and sudden death. It also reduces feed conversion and slows growth.

Prevention: Calculate feed needs in advance and order feed before you run out. Keep at least 2 to 3 days of feed on hand. Check feed bins daily and know how much feed remains.

Mistake 2: Switching Feeds Too Early

Switching to grower or finisher feed before birds are ready reduces performance. Young birds need the higher protein of starter feed. Switching early saves a little money on feed cost but costs more in reduced growth and poorer feed conversion.

Prevention: Stick to the recommended phase durations unless bird weights clearly indicate otherwise. Weigh birds before making any feed changes.

Mistake 3: Poor Feeder Management

Feeders that are overfilled, set at the wrong height, or damaged cause significant feed wastage. Birds scratch feed from overfilled feeders, wasting it on the floor. Feeders set too high or too low are difficult for birds to use, reducing feed intake.

Prevention: Fill feeders to no more than two-thirds full. Adjust feeder height weekly. Repair or replace damaged feeders promptly.

Mistake 4: Inadequate Water

Water is the most essential nutrient. Birds cannot grow without adequate water. Restricted water intake reduces feed intake and slows growth. Even minor water restriction can have significant effects.

Prevention: Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Check water lines and nipples daily. Clean water systems regularly. During hot weather, increase water availability and check flow rates.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Environmental Conditions

Temperature, humidity, and ventilation affect feed intake and growth. Birds eat less when they are heat stressed or when ammonia levels are high. Poor ventilation reduces feed intake and increases respiratory disease.

Prevention: Monitor temperature and ventilation daily. Adjust ventilation as birds grow and weather changes. Keep litter dry and remove wet spots promptly.

Mistake 6: Using Poor Quality Feed

Feed that is moldy, stale, or contaminated reduces performance and can cause disease. Feed that has been stored too long loses nutritional value. Feed that has gotten wet can develop mold toxins that are harmful to birds.

Prevention: Buy feed from reputable suppliers. Store feed in a clean, dry, rodent proof area. Use feed within 2 to 3 weeks of purchase. Discard any feed that looks or smells unusual.

Mistake 7: Not Weighing Birds

Producers who do not weigh birds are operating blind. They do not know if birds are growing at the expected rate, if feed conversion is acceptable, or when birds are ready for processing. Small problems go undetected until they become large losses.

Prevention: Weigh a sample of birds weekly. Keep records of weights and feed consumption. Compare to breed targets and your own historical data.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Most feeding problems can be corrected with management changes. However, some situations require professional help. Knowing when to call for assistance can prevent small problems from becoming large losses.

Signs That Require Professional Help

Call a veterinarian or extension agent if you observe:

• Sudden increase in mortality, especially if more than 1 percent of the flock dies in 24 hours
• Birds that are listless, droopy, or reluctant to move
• Severe diarrhea or unusual droppings
• Swollen joints, leg problems, or birds unable to stand
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, or gasping
• Reduced feed or water intake lasting more than 24 hours
• Poor growth or feed conversion that does not improve with management changes
• Any signs of neurological problems such as twisted necks or tremors

What to Tell the Professional

When you call for help, be ready to provide:

• Flock size and age
• Breed and source of chicks
• Feed type and source
• Mortality numbers and pattern
• Feed and water consumption
• Recent management changes
• Any treatments you have already given
• Your records from the past week

Working With Your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian can help you diagnose disease problems, interpret post mortem findings, and develop treatment plans. They can also help you design vaccination programs and biosecurity protocols. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian before you need them. It is much easier to get help quickly if you have an existing relationship.

Your extension agent can help with nutrition, management, and business decisions. They can provide information on local conditions, market trends, and regulations. They can also connect you with other producers and resources in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much feed does a broiler eat per day?

A broiler eats about 0.1 pounds of feed per day in the first week, increasing to about 0.3 to 0.4 pounds per day by the finisher phase. Total feed consumption for a 6 week growout to 5 pounds is about 9 to 10 pounds per bird. Feed intake varies with breed, environmental temperature, and feed quality. Monitor feed consumption daily and compare to expected levels for your breed and age.

Can I mix my own broiler feed to save money?

You can mix your own feed, but it requires careful formulation to meet the bird's nutritional requirements. A simple mixture of corn and soybean meal will not provide adequate levels of all essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. You need a complete formulated ration that includes synthetic amino acids, vitamin premix, mineral premix, and other additives. Improperly formulated feed can cause poor growth, leg problems, and increased mortality. If you mix your own feed, work with a poultry nutritionist or extension agent to develop a balanced formulation.

How long should I feed broiler starter feed?

Feed starter feed for the first 14 days. Some producers extend the starter phase to 21 days for slower growing breeds or when chicks are small at placement. Weigh birds at day 7 and day 14 to determine if the starter phase is on track. If birds are below target weight at day 14, continue starter feed for a few more days. Never switch to grower feed before day 12.

What is the difference between broiler grower and finisher feed?

Grower feed has more protein and less energy than finisher feed. Grower feed, fed from day 15 to 28, contains 20 to 22 percent protein and supports muscle and bone growth. Finisher feed, fed from day 29 to market, contains 18 to 20 percent protein and higher energy to maximize weight gain and finish. The switch from grower to finisher feed should be made gradually over 2 to 3 days to reduce digestive upset.

Should I use medicated feed for my broilers?

Medicated feed can help prevent coccidiosis and other diseases, especially in the starter and grower phases. The decision to use medicated feed depends on your disease pressure, management practices, and market requirements. If you use medicated feed, observe the withdrawal period before processing. Some markets require antibiotic free production, so check your market requirements before choosing a feed.

How can I improve feed conversion in my broiler flock?

Improve feed conversion by providing clean water at all times, maintaining proper feeder space and height, reducing feed wastage, managing environmental temperature and ventilation, and using high quality feed that matches the bird's stage of growth. Monitor feed conversion weekly and investigate any sudden changes. Good feed conversion for a 6 week growout is 1.6 to 1.8.

What should I do if my broilers are not eating enough?

First check water availability and quality. Birds will not eat if they cannot drink. Check environmental temperature and ventilation. Birds eat less when they are heat stressed or when ammonia levels are high. Check feed quality and freshness. Feed that is moldy, stale, or contaminated will reduce intake. If feed intake does not improve within 24 hours, call your veterinarian or extension agent.

When should I switch from starter to grower feed?

Switch from starter to grower feed at day 15 for a standard broiler growout. Make the switch gradually over 2 to 3 days by mixing increasing amounts of grower feed with decreasing amounts of starter feed. If birds are below target weight at day 14, continue starter feed for a few more days. Never switch before day 12.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related farming guides on broiler management, poultry housing, flock health, and other relevant topics. Check back regularly for new content on poultry production and farm management.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Poultry Farm Fencing: Materials, Design, and Predator Exclusion
• Broiler House Wind Speed and Airflow Measurement
• Broiler House Heating Systems: Types and Efficiency

References

• FAO Poultry Production: https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/en/
• USDA APHIS Poultry Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian
• WOAH Avian Influenza: https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/
• FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/
• WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.