Increasing healthy chickens starts with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the best eating plan at Each individual phase of existence is important for advancement, egg generation, and All round nicely-being. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional needs can help make certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying decades.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first handful of weeks of a chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this era, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to assistance fast development and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to try to eat)

Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.

Tip: Avoid offering treats also early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to make certain well balanced nourishment.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduce protein information, usually 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney issues in young birds.

Goal: Supports continual advancement with out encouraging premature QH88 laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt acquiring organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater level of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.

Tip: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.

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

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

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

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a wonderful nutritional supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of everyday ingestion. Offer you healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.

Closing Suggestions
Generally provide cleanse, new drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.

Retail outlet feed correctly to stop mould and pests.

Regulate feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Every single lifetime phase makes certain a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!