Increasing wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional wants allows make certain a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial couple months of a chick’s existence are significant. Throughout this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to try to eat)

Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.

Tip: Avoid providing treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly reduced protein articles, commonly 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in young birds.

Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging premature laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-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 boosting chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers need a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.

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

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

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.

Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.

Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.

Change feed portions according to flock size and age.

Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of QH88 clucks of appreciation!