Elevating healthful chickens commences with right diet. Feeding your flock the right diet at Each and every phase of lifetime is essential for development, egg production, and In general very well-getting. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requirements allows guarantee a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying decades.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary several months of the chick’s everyday living are important. In the course of this period, chicks demand large-protein starter feed to assist swift expansion and progress. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, together with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to eat)

Supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.

Tip: Stay clear of offering treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to ensure balanced diet.

two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in younger birds.

Goal: Supports constant expansion devoid of encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage acquiring organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / Initially Egg)
Once your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above QH88 pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to support quick pounds gain.

Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.

Idea: Keep an eye on feed meticulously—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart complications.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a wonderful health supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than ten% of day-to-day ingestion. Offer you wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: In case your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.

Ultimate Tips
Often give clean up, fresh water—it’s much more essential than feed.

Retailer feed appropriately to stop mildew and pests.

Change feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Every life phase guarantees a thriving flock, improved egg output, and less health problems. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!