Elevating balanced chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is important for expansion, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial couple months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)

Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.

Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decreased protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.

Intent: Supports continual development with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage building organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.

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

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electricity-dense QH88 feed to support speedy pounds acquire.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or heart issues.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.

Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.

Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.

Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!