Increasing wholesome 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 well-currently being. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, combined with the ideal 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 professional starter feed.

Idea: Prevent supplying treats much too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet to ensure well balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree QH88 of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.

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

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy body weight acquire.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.

Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or heart issues.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a terrific supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you 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 give clear, clean water—it’s much more important than feed.

Store feed properly to stay away from mildew and pests.

Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg generation, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!