The best feed for game chickens is a complete poultry feed that matches the bird’s age, not a special “game” mix. Chicks need a high-protein starter, growing birds need a grower, and adult hens need a layer feed with calcium. Whole grains such as corn are best kept to a small treat.
What “game chicken feed” means
People use the term for two different things: game fowl breeds (the old fighting-type breeds kept as show or backyard birds) and gamebirds such as pheasants, quail and partridge. Gamebirds usually need higher protein than chickens. Always buy feed labeled for the species you actually keep.
Match the feed to the age
- Chicks (0 to about 8 weeks): a starter feed with higher protein, often about 18 to 20 percent for chickens. Gamebird chicks generally need more.
- Growing birds: a grower or developer feed with somewhat less protein.
- Adult laying hens: a layer feed with added calcium for eggshells.
- Roosters and non-laying birds: a maintenance feed, since extra calcium is not needed.
Why corn should be limited
Corn is mostly energy and low in protein. A diet heavy in corn or scratch grain can be unbalanced, so keep grains to a treat, roughly a tenth of the diet, and let the complete feed make up the rest. Our post on chicken feed with wormer explains why medicated and supplement feeds need care.
Reading the label
- Check the intended species and life stage.
- Look at the protein minimum and calcium range.
- Note whether the feed is medicated. Medicated chick feed contains a coccidiostat and should be fed as directed.
- Check the date and buy what you can use within a few weeks.
Storing and feeding
- Keep feed in a sealed metal or heavy plastic bin, away from rodents and damp.
- Provide clean water at all times.
- Offer grit if birds eat whole grains or forage.
- Use a feeder that stops birds from scratching feed onto the ground.
- Never feed layer feed to chicks.
For help reading tags, see how to select chicken feed.
Bottom Line
Skip the idea of a magic game chicken feed. Pick a complete feed for your birds’ species and age, keep corn as a treat, and store it dry. If birds seem thin or sick, ask a poultry vet.
