Raising balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person to their golden laying several years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.

Idea: Avoid supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure 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 Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)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 decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports constant growth without 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 an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Sort: QH88 Crumbles or pellets.

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

Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles more than 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, Strength-dense feed to aid fast fat attain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart complications.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional 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 Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.

Keep feed appropriately in order to avoid mold and pests.

Adjust feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens properly at each everyday living phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!