Increasing wholesome chickens starts off with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each stage of life is important for growth, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. No matter if you're increasing 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 just one for their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial several months of a chick’s existence are important. During this period, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and progress. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to take in)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet to ensure well balanced nourishment.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.

Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.

Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.

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

Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but QH88 they should make up no more than ten% of daily ingestion. Offer healthy choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In case your flock eats entire grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.

Final Tips
Always provide clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.

Retail store feed correctly to prevent mold and pests.

Regulate feed portions according to flock size and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage assures a thriving flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!