Raising nutritious chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every phase of daily life is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying yrs.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Outdated)
The main handful of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. All through this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift growth and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)

Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only business starter feed.

Suggestion: Stay clear of offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet to guarantee well balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.

Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.

three. 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 higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles in excess of 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 support speedy fat get.

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

Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Suggestion: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, QH88 but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply 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, deliver grit to help digestion.

Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.

Shop feed properly to avoid mould and pests.

Alter feed portions dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!