Boosting nutritious chickens commences with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Every single phase of existence is important for growth, egg creation, and In general nicely-staying. Regardless of whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their shifting nutritional desires allows ensure a happy and successful flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying many years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The first few months of a chick’s life are significant. Throughout this era, chicks demand higher-protein starter feed to support swift progress and improvement. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, along with the appropriate balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (much easier for tiny beaks to consume)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only business starter feed.

Idea: Stay away from offering treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole eating plan to ensure well balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduce protein content material, normally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in younger birds.

Goal: Supports regular growth without encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for extra calcium.

Tip: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a higher-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist quick body weight get.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.

Idea: Observe feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg difficulties or heart issues.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a fantastic complement towards your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Provide balanced alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked QH88 rice, or fruits.

Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If the flock eats whole grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.

Final Ideas
Generally provide thoroughly clean, contemporary h2o—it’s extra essential than feed.

Retailer feed appropriately to stop mildew and pests.

Change feed parts determined by flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Each individual everyday living phase assures a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health problems. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!