Increasing wholesome chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round perfectly-becoming. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure 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.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this era, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to consume)

Supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only professional starter feed.

Suggestion: Keep away from supplying treats far too early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to be certain balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.

Objective: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about 16% protein and an increased amount of calcium to support eggshell development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-option for added calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers need a high-protein, Power-dense feed to help quick pounds attain.

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

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

Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or coronary heart complications.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a wonderful supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Give balanced 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, supply grit to aid digestion.

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

Retail outlet feed adequately in order to avoid mildew and pests.

Adjust feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, QH88 and fewer health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!