Elevating healthier chickens begins with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Just about every stage of life is important for growth, egg output, and Total properly-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying decades.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first number of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to consume)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.

Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed QH88 consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate 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 wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.

Ultimate Guidelines
Always give clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.

Keep feed appropriately in order to avoid mold and pests.

Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase assures a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!