Boosting healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Each individual stage of life is important for growth, egg generation, and All round well-being. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help be certain a happy and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this era, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (simpler for tiny beaks to consume)

Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.

Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option QH88 for excess calcium.

Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast fat attain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg challenges or coronary heart issues.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

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

Closing Recommendations
Generally present clear, clean water—it’s much more essential than feed.

Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.

Alter feed portions based on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!