Boosting healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands helps make certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you through 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 call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for tiny beaks to eat)

Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.

Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decreased protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.

Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

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

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for QH88 extra calcium.

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

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to aid fast fat attain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 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, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they should make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give healthy options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

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

Remaining Tips
Normally deliver clean up, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.

Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.

Change feed portions based on flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!