Raising balanced chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of everyday living is essential for advancement, egg output, and General well-staying. Whether you are elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional demands allows ensure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying decades.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The 1st several weeks of the chick’s everyday living are important. All through this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to support immediate expansion and advancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, together with the proper equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for very small beaks to consume)

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

Tip: Prevent supplying treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet to make certain balanced nutrition.

2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decrease protein material, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney problems in young birds.

Function: Supports constant progress without the need of encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for QH88 those who introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Keep away from layer feed until eventually they start laying, as substantial calcium stages can harm developing organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and an increased degree of calcium to support eggshell development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for excess calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to help quick pounds gain.

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

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

Tip: Keep track of feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart problems.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a wonderful health supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of daily consumption. Supply wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: When your flock eats full grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.

Ultimate Suggestions
Normally supply clean, contemporary water—it’s far more important than feed.

Keep feed effectively to stay away from mold and pests.

Modify feed portions dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual life stage guarantees a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health issues. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!