To find good chicken feed at Tractor Supply, start with your birds’ age and purpose, then read the tag. Choose a starter for chicks, a grower for young birds, and a layer feed for hens that are laying. Brand matters less than getting the right formula, fresh feed and the right protein and calcium levels.
Pick the right formula first
- Chick starter: usually 18-20% protein, for hatch to about 8 weeks. Medicated and non-medicated versions are sold; ask staff or your vet which is right for your chicks.
- Grower or developer: for young birds until they start laying.
- Layer feed: usually about 16% protein with extra calcium for strong shells. Switch to it when hens begin laying, around 18 weeks.
- All-flock feed: a good choice for mixed flocks of chicks, hens and roosters. Offer oyster shell on the side for laying hens.
- Meat bird feed: higher protein for broilers, as in our guide to chicken finisher feed.
Brands you will often see
Tractor Supply typically stocks a mix of national and store brands. Product lines change, so check the shelf. Names you may see include Purina, Nutrena (including NatureWise), Manna Pro, Kalmbach and Dumor. Their layer, starter and all-flock formulas differ in protein, calcium, ingredients (organic, soy-free, non-GMO) and price. Compare the guaranteed analysis rather than the front-of-bag claims.
How to read the tag
- Crude protein (min): match it to the age of your birds.
- Calcium: layers need about 3.5-4.5%, but growing chicks should not get that much.
- Medicated or not: medicated starter contains a coccidiostat. Do not feed medicated chick feed to birds that have been vaccinated for coccidiosis unless a vet advises it.
- Form: pellets, crumbles or mash. See pellet vs crumble.
- Date and condition: choose a bag with a recent manufacture date and no damage or dampness.
Tips for buying and storing feed
- Buy only as much as you will use in about a month, especially in warm weather.
- Store in a sealed metal or heavy plastic bin in a cool, dry spot to keep out mice and moisture.
- Throw away moldy or clumped feed.
- Keep treats and scratch to about 10% of the diet.
For a quick list of options, see our guides to the best chicken feed at Tractor Supply and the brands Rural King carries. Not sure what is in the bag? Read what is in commercial chicken feed.
If your hens are sick, thin or have stopped laying, talk to a poultry vet or your local extension office. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
Bottom Line
At Tractor Supply, pick the formula by age, check protein and calcium on the tag, buy fresh feed and store it dry. A mid-priced complete feed that matches your birds’ stage beats a pricey feed that does not.
