Raising wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg creation, and overall very well-becoming. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and successful 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 several months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)

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

Suggestion: Stay away from providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to guarantee well balanced diet.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.

Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can harm producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.

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

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

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

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

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Last Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s extra vital than feed.

Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.

Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward QH88 you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!