Boosting healthier chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and General very well-currently being. No matter whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The primary few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. In the course of this era, chicks have to have higher-protein starter feed to assistance speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the ideal harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for tiny beaks to eat)

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

Tip: Steer clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program 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 decreased protein information, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.

Reason: Supports constant development QH88 with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium levels can damage creating organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for added calcium.

Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.

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

Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.

Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.

Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s extra significant than feed.

Retail outlet feed adequately in order to avoid mold 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 health concerns. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!