Elevating balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for growth, egg output, and Over-all nicely-remaining. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending 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 just one for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial couple months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for little beaks to try to eat)

Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.

Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

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

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

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

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they QH88 ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.

Closing Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s much more important than feed.

Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.

Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!