Elevating healthful chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round perfectly-currently being. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are important. During this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the ideal equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)

Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.

Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein content material, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.

Objective: Supports regular development with no encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they QH88 start laying, as higher calcium levels can damage building organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a higher volume of calcium to help eggshell development.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for further calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight get.

Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart challenges.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be a fantastic health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: In case your flock eats complete grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.

Final Recommendations
Usually offer thoroughly clean, new water—it’s extra vital than feed.

Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mold and pests.

Adjust feed portions according to flock size and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Every existence stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg output, and less health problems. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!