In the mean time a new crop is started in the first half. Feed Feeds are available to suit the changing needs of the chickens. Chicks can be fed a starter mix until they are feathered out. Then they can be fed maintenance feed until they start laying. Layers can be fed egg booster and scratch.
Adequate storage is needed for the feed to keep it dry and keep rodents out.
Chickens like other birds need a supply of grit for digestion. There's much more to learn which is why I cited the books at the beginning. You will need to know how to prevent diseases, eradicate parasites, and deal with chicken idiosyncrasies like egg eating and cannibalism. But, with good advice to get you started and time to learn, raising chickens can become a rewarding experience. Unless you are a true vegetarian, you will want meat and eggs in your diet.