Phase feeding means giving chickens different types of feed at different stages of their life. As birds grow, their nutritional needs change, so their diet must be adjusted to match their age and production stage. This helps them grow properly, stay healthy, and produce more eggs or meat efficiently. By practicing phase feeding, the feed is balanced between the nutrients the bird needs to produce optimally, and what nutrients are supplied in the feed.

Why Phase Feeding is Important

1. Better Growth and Development – Young birds need more protein for growth, while older birds need more energy for maintenance and production.
2. Improves Feed Efficiency – Providing the right nutrients at the right time reduces waste and lowers feed costs.
3. Supports Egg Production – Laying hens need extra calcium and nutrients for strong eggshells and consistent egg production.
4. Prevents Health Problems – A balanced diet at each stage helps prevent issues like weak bones, poor growth, and low immunity.

Common Phases in Poultry Feeding

1. Starter Feed – High in protein to support rapid growth and development.
2. Grower Feed – Slightly lower in protein but energy balanced to help birds develop strong muscles and bones.
3. Finisher Feed– More energy-rich to help broilers gain weight before market.
4. Pre-Lay Feed (For Layers, 15-18 Weeks) – Prepares hens for egg production by increasing calcium levels.
5. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks) – High in calcium and balanced nutrients to support egg laying and strong eggshells.

Why Phase feeding is Economical

Feeding birds the right amount of nutrients at the right stage of growth—matching supply with requirement—is important because birds have different needs as they grow.

Imagine a scale: if we give more nutrients than the bird requires, the bird can’t use those nutrients and money is wasted providing nutrients that don’t contribute to production of eggs or meat.  

If we give less nutrients than the bird requires to produce optimally, the scale tips the other way. When the bird does not receive the nutrients it needs for optimal production, the production declines which negatively influences the income generated from the flock.

When the nutrients are balanced just right, the scale is level. This means there is no money wasted on nutrients that are not used by the bird, and the bird gets exactly what it needs to produce optimally.

How to Implement Phase Feeding

• Provide Fresh Water Always – Good nutrition works best when birds have access to clean water.

• Use the Right Feed for Each Age – Follow feeding guidelines to match birds' growth stages.

• Change Feed Gradually – Mix old and new feed over a few days to help birds adjust.

• Monitor Bird Performance – Watch growth rates, egg production, and feed intake to make necessary adjustments.

Phase feeding ensures poultry get the right nutrients at the right time, leading to better productivity and profitability for farmers.