Best Feed for Baby Chicks – 2025 Reviews
Raising baby chicks is one of those heartwarming experiences that never gets old—until you’re staring at a wall of chick feed options and feeling completely overwhelmed. I’ve been there, my friend, and let me tell you, choosing the right starter feed can make all the difference between thriving chicks and struggling ones.
After testing countless formulas over the years, I’ve learned that the best chick feed isn’t just about protein percentages—it’s about matching your flock’s specific needs, whether that’s disease protection, organic ingredients, or budget-friendly nutrition. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top performers that actually deliver on their promises.
Best Feed for Baby Chicks – 2025 Reviews
Manna Pro Medicated Chick Starter – Disease Protection for Healthy Start
This medicated formula includes Amprolium to protect against coccidiosis while delivering 18% protein for strong muscle development.
The crumble texture is perfectly sized for tiny beaks, making it easy to digest and reducing waste in your brooder.
Manna Pro Chick Starter Feed – Natural Nutrition for Growing Chicks
This non-medicated starter provides complete nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals for chicks from hatch to 16 weeks.
The soft crumble form supports healthy eating habits and easy digestion without any added medications or antibiotics.
Scratch and Peck Organic Starter – Whole Grain Nutrition for Chicks & Ducklings
This certified organic, non-GMO feed features 20.5% protein from whole grains and is free from corn and soy.
Perfect for both chicks and ducklings, it supports muscle development and bone health with recognizable, clean ingredients.
Purina Start & Grow Medicated – Immune and Digestive Support
This medicated feed includes prebiotics and probiotics to support immune and digestive health while preventing coccidiosis.
Enhanced with marigold extract for brightly colored beaks and shanks, it provides complete nutrition without supplements.
Purina Start & Grow Non-Medicated – Complete Balanced Nutrition
This non-medicated formula provides complete nutrition with prebiotics, probiotics, and essential vitamins for optimal chick development.
Fortified with vitamin A and E, it supports immune function and healthy growth from hatch to laying age.
Wholesome Harvest Chick Starter – High-Protein Corn & Soy-Free Feed
This non-GMO feed features 22% protein from clean ingredients, free from corn and soy for sensitive chicks.
Enhanced with probiotics for digestion and nutrient absorption, it supports optimal growth and vitality.
Chickeratti Baby Chick Feed Treat – Appetite Booster with Grubs
This nutrient-dense treat contains ground grains, herbs, and crushed black soldier fly larvae to encourage eating in baby chicks.
Formulated with probiotics for digestion and red rose petals to attract chicks, it’s perfect for stimulating appetite.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
When we set out to find the best chick feeds, we knew we had to look beyond marketing claims and focus on what actually works in real backyard settings. We evaluated 7 different chick starter feeds from leading brands, assessing everything from ingredient quality to practical usability.
Our scoring system weights real-world performance at 70%—how well the feed matches chick needs, user satisfaction, and overall value—combined with innovation and competitive differentiation at 30% for unique features that set products apart. For example, our top-rated Manna Pro Medicated scored exceptionally high for its disease protection and growth support, while the budget-friendly Manna Pro Non-Medicated delivered outstanding value with slightly fewer advanced features.
We considered the full spectrum of options—from medicated formulas for disease prevention to organic choices for natural flock management. The score differences reflect trade-offs: premium organic options like Scratch and Peck offer superior ingredients but at higher cost, while value picks provide reliable nutrition without the premium price tag.
Every feed here has been vetted for complete nutrition, digestibility, and chick acceptance—because in the end, it doesn’t matter how great the formula looks on paper if your chicks won’t eat it. Our rankings prioritize what actually helps your flock thrive, not just what sounds good in advertising.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Chick Feed for Healthy Growth
1. Medicated vs. Non-Medicated: Understanding the Difference
Medicated feeds contain Amprolium to prevent coccidiosis, a common intestinal disease that can devastate young flocks. This is particularly valuable if you’re raising chicks in crowded conditions or areas with previous disease issues. Non-medicated options provide natural nutrition without additives, ideal for organic operations or when medication isn’t necessary.
I always recommend medicated feed for first-time chicken keepers—it’s like insurance during those vulnerable first weeks. But if you have a small, clean brooder and want to avoid medications, non-medicated works beautifully.
2. Protein Content: Why It Matters for Growing Chicks
Chick starter feeds typically range from 18% to 22% protein, with higher percentages supporting faster growth and better feather development. Standard breeds do well with 18-20% protein, while meat birds or rapidly growing varieties may benefit from 20% or more.
Watch for protein sources too—insect-based proteins from black soldier fly larvae are highly digestible, while plant-based proteins should be balanced with essential amino acids. Too much protein can cause issues, so stick with recommended levels.
3. Feed Form: Crumbles, Mash, or Pellets?
Crumbles are the gold standard for baby chicks—they’re small enough for tiny beaks yet substantial enough to minimize waste. Mash offers fine particles that are easy to digest but can be messy. Pellets are usually too large for chicks under several weeks old.
I’ve found that crumbles strike the perfect balance—chicks can eat them easily, and there’s less spillage in the brooder. The texture also encourages natural pecking behavior from day one.
4. Specialty Formulas: Organic, Corn-Free, and Soy-Free Options
If you’re concerned about GMOs, allergies, or digestive sensitivities, specialty feeds offer clean alternatives. Organic formulas avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, while corn and soy-free options are perfect for birds with grain sensitivities.
These premium choices often come with higher price tags but can be worth it for specific health concerns or personal preferences. I’ve seen remarkable results with organic feeds—healthier digestion and vibrant plumage that speaks for itself.
5. Transitioning from Starter to Grower Feed
Most chick starter feeds are designed for the first 8-16 weeks, depending on the brand and breed. Watch for signs your chicks are ready to transition: they’ll be fully feathered, more active, and eating larger quantities.
When switching feeds, do it gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new feed with the old. This prevents digestive upset and ensures continuous nutrition during this critical development phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I switch from chick starter to grower feed?
Most chicks are ready to transition between 8-16 weeks of age, depending on the breed and development rate. Look for physical signs like full feathering, increased activity levels, and consistent weight gain. The transition should be gradual—mix the new grower feed with the starter over 7-10 days to avoid digestive issues.
I always wait until my chicks are completely feathered and no longer need heat sources before making the switch. This ensures their digestive systems are mature enough to handle the change.
2. Can I feed chick starter to ducklings or other poultry?
Many chick starters work well for ducklings and other poultry, but check the specific formulation. Ducklings require higher niacin levels, so some chick feeds may need supplementation. Products specifically labeled for both chicks and ducklings, like Scratch and Peck, are ideal because they’re formulated to meet both species’ needs.
I’ve successfully raised ducklings on chick starter with added brewer’s yeast for niacin, but dual-purpose feeds simplify the process significantly.
3. How long does a bag of chick feed typically last?
This depends entirely on your flock size and chick age. For 10 chicks, a 5-pound bag usually lasts about 1-2 weeks initially, with consumption increasing as they grow. Larger flocks or older chicks may go through a 25-pound bag in 2-3 weeks.
I recommend starting with smaller bags for newborn chicks and switching to bulk sizes once you establish their eating patterns. Always store feed in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent pests.
4. What's the difference between starter and grower feed?
Starter feed has higher protein levels (18-22%) for rapid growth and development in the first weeks, while grower feed has slightly lower protein (15-18%) for sustained development without excessive weight gain. Starter feeds also often include medications or supplements specific to young chicks’ needs.
The transition coincides with their changing nutritional requirements—from building basic body structures to maintaining growth and preparing for adulthood. Getting this timing right ensures optimal health throughout their development.
Final Verdict
After testing all these options, the truth is that there’s no single “best” chick feed—it’s about finding the right match for your specific situation. For most backyard chicken keepers, Manna Pro Medicated Chick Starter delivers the perfect balance of disease protection, growth support, and value that makes chick-raising worry-free. If you prefer natural options, Manna Pro Non-Medicated provides outstanding nutrition at a budget-friendly price, while Scratch and Peck Organic offers premium ingredients for health-conscious flock owners. Remember that consistent nutrition during those first weeks sets the foundation for healthy, productive birds—so choose wisely and enjoy watching your chicks thrive!