Boosting nutritious chickens commences with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Every single phase of existence is important for progress, egg output, and Over-all effectively-remaining. No matter if you're raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person for their golden laying yrs.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Previous)
The 1st number of months of a chick’s daily life are significant. During this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to guidance quick progress and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, together with the ideal equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)

Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Suggestion: Stay away from giving treats also early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein material, normally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney challenges in young birds.

Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed right up until they start laying, QH88 as significant calcium degrees can damage developing organs.

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
After your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast fat get.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three weeks to reap): 18–twenty% protein.

Idea: Keep an eye on feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart difficulties.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a fantastic complement to your chickens’ diet, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Offer you wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.

Final Recommendations
Usually present clean up, new h2o—it’s much more significant than feed.

Retail store feed effectively to stop mildew and pests.

Modify feed portions dependant on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens the right way at Every life phase makes certain a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health problems. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!