Short answer: Masterfeeds' feeding directions for its RWA poultry feeds put pullets intended for laying on starter from zero to six weeks ("Feed as the sole ration to pullets intended for laying zero to six weeks."), on grower from seven to 17 weeks ("Feed as the sole ration to pullets intended for laying – seven to 17 weeks."), and on layer ration once they lay ("Feed as the sole ration to laying hens during periods of egg production."). Broilers, ducks, geese and turkeys switch at different ages, set out below. The feed tag on the bag you buy has the final word.
Key takeaways
- Three stages for laying flocks: RWA 20% Poultry Starter/Grower Crumble, then RWA 16% Poultry Grower/Finisher Crumble, then RWA 17% Layer Ration with Grit.
- Each one is fed as the only ration for its stage, by Masterfeeds' own directions.
- Masterfeeds gives typical intake figures for each stage; we use them below for bag arithmetic, not as a feeding schedule.
- Grit, oyster shell, water and feeder hygiene each get a line in Masterfeeds' feeding tips.
Which feed for which age?
The ages below are quoted from the feeding directions on Masterfeeds' product pages for the three RWA feeds we list.
Starter: RWA 20% Poultry Starter/Grower Crumble
- Laying flocks: "Feed as the sole ration to pullets intended for laying zero to six weeks."
- Meat birds: "Feed as the sole ration to broiler chicks for zero to three weeks."
- Waterfowl: "Feed as the sole ration to ducks and geese from zero to four weeks."
- Turkeys: "Feed this as the sole ration to turkey poults from five to ten weeks of age."
Grower: RWA 16% Poultry Grower/Finisher Crumble
- Laying flocks: "Feed as the sole ration to pullets intended for laying – seven to 17 weeks."
- Meat birds: "Feed as the sole ration to broilers – four weeks to market."
- Waterfowl: "Feed as the sole ration to ducks and geese four weeks to market."
- Turkeys and gamebirds: "Feed as the sole ration to turkeys/gamebirds 11 weeks to market."
Layer: RWA 17% Layer Ration with Grit
- "Feed as the sole ration to laying hens during periods of egg production."
When do you switch chickens to layer feed?
On Masterfeeds' directions, pullets come off the grower at 17 weeks, and the layer ration is for "laying hens during periods of egg production". Masterfeeds' pages do not name a single switch-over week between those two lines, so read the feed tag on your bag and, if your pullets are late to lay or you are unsure, ask your veterinarian or a poultry nutritionist.
How much feed does a chicken eat?
Masterfeeds' typical intake figures:
- Starter, pullets zero to six weeks: "Typical intake 1 kg/bird during this period."
- Grower, pullets seven to 17 weeks: "Typical intake 6 kg per bird during this period."
- Layer: "Typical intake should be between 95 grams to 105 grams per bird per day."
Bag arithmetic on those figures (not a schedule): a 25 kg bag of layer ration at about 100 g per hen per day is about 250 hen-days, so six hens would take roughly six weeks to finish it. A 25 kg bag of grower covers the seven-to-17-week stage for about four pullets at Masterfeeds' typical 6 kg each.
Do chickens need grit and oyster shell?
Masterfeeds' feeding tips on grit:
- "When birds have access to coarse litter or whole grains, an insoluble grit should be fed."
- "Limit intake of grit to 1 lb (0.5 kg) per 100 lbs (50 kg) of feed or 2 lbs (1 kg) per 100 birds per week."
- "Grit can be blended with the ration or offered free choice in a separate feeder."
The layer ration we list is the version named "with Grit"; read its feed tag before adding more. On oyster shell, Masterfeeds' layer page says supplemental oyster shell may be necessary after 45 weeks of age.
Water and feeders
- "Poultry should have access to clean, fresh water at all times."
- "When starting dayold birds or after moving or transporting birds, give access to water before putting feed in the feeders."
- "Do not allow feeders to run empty or stale feed to accumulate."
- "Never feed any feedstuffs that are moldy, musty or suspect in any way."
For drinker types, feeder height and cleaning, see our guide Chicken Waterers and Feeders: Types, Height and Cleaning (Alberta Small-Flock Guide). Feeders we list for chicks and small flocks include the Millside baby chick bulk feeder with lid, the Millside galvanized chick feeder and the Double-Tuf plastic poultry feeders in 1.5 lb, 5 lb and 7 lb sizes.
The feeds we list
- Masterfeeds RWA 20% Poultry Starter/Grower Crumble, 25 kg
- Masterfeeds RWA 16% Poultry Grower/Finisher Crumble, 25 kg
- Masterfeeds RWA 17% Layer Ration with Grit, 25 kg
The 25 kg bags are sold for in-store pickup in Millet; each product page has the details. If birds go off their feed or water, call your veterinarian.
Sources: Masterfeeds product pages for RWA 20% Poultry Starter/Grower (Crumble) (product #111060), RWA 16% Poultry Grower/Finisher (Crumble) (product #101075) and RWA 17% Layer Ration (product #111008), masterfeeds.com, viewed October 2026.