Raising healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Just about every stage of lifestyle is important for expansion, egg creation, and General properly-being. Whether or not you happen to be increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their switching nutritional requirements will help be certain a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying decades.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st several weeks of a chick’s life are significant. During this era, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to help fast growth and development. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, along with the ideal stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to take in)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.

Idea: Keep away from giving treats also early—starter feed need to be their sole diet to make certain well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduce protein content material, normally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in youthful birds.

Intent: Supports steady advancement with out encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: QH88 Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Steer clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for extra calcium.

Tip: Some hens like crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers need a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support fast fat get.

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

Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.

Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg problems or coronary heart challenges.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a wonderful dietary supplement in your chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.

Ultimate Tips
Generally offer cleanse, refreshing drinking water—it’s much more significant than feed.

Shop feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.

Adjust feed parts according to flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and less medical issues. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!