Meat chickens, also known as broiler chickens, require a high-protein, complete feed to help them maintain their health and reach market weight efficiently. Here are some guidelines for feeding meat chickens:

• During the first week of a meat chicken’s life, it should be fed medicated starter feed, which is high in protein content, giving young chicks a healthy start when they grow the fastest. Ensure that your chicks get a feed with at least a 20% protein content during weeks 1-3.

• Starting at three weeks of age, meat birds should be fed on a 12-hour on, 12-hour off feeding routine. Chicks should be fed a 20% protein feed until 3 weeks of age, at which time they should be switched over to 16% protein.

• Meat chickens should be fed a 20% protein chick starter during their first 3 weeks of life. Then, they can be switched over to an 18% protein feed.

• Ensure that your chickens have access to fresh food and water 24/7 during the first week of their life.

• Always keep their feeders full during their first week, as they will need a lot of protein for proper growth.

• Cornish Cross broilers, the most popular breed for meat, will reach market weight in 42 days. Other meat bird breeds can take up to 10 weeks to reach market weight.

• Meat birds need high protein feed and should be fed on a schedule to ensure that they do not grow too rapidly, which can cause health issues.

• Lastly, always ensure that your meat chickens are kept clean and living in dry conditions because bacteria love to grow in a wet, dirty, brooder.

It is important to note that feeding meat chickens anything to make them taste better is not recommended, as it can negatively affect their health and growth rate.