If you’re raising layer hens: From when your chicks hatch until six weeks of age, feed your chicks a starter feed that has a protein level of 20-22 percent. Once the chicks hit six weeks of age, feed them pullet grower (14 to 16 percent protein) until age 20 weeks.After that, switch your hens to layer feed with a protein level of 15 to 18 percent.(MONEY-SAVING SECRET: Layer feed is often expensive.t can be costly, to both your budget and your chickens’ health! The University of California-Davis recommends the following for feeding layer hens: 1  Chick starter: 2 to 2.9 lbs. 2  per chick for the first six weeks. 3  Pullet grower: 12 to 13 lbs. 4  per pullet for approximately 14 weeks. 5  Layer feed: 1.8 to 2.4 lbs.