Boosting healthy chickens begins with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet at Every phase of existence is important for expansion, egg generation, and Total properly-getting. Regardless of whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their switching nutritional wants allows make sure a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st couple of weeks of a chick’s life are essential. All through this era, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to guidance swift progress and advancement. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, along with the ideal stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to take in)

Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Idea: Avoid supplying treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet to be sure well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decreased protein content, usually 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.

Goal: Supports regular development with no encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can harm acquiring organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.

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

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to support speedy body weight attain.

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

Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or heart complications.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be quite a excellent complement towards your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than ten% of everyday intake. Give healthful solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: Should your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.

Remaining Ideas
Always supply clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s more significant than QH88 feed.

Store feed appropriately to avoid mold and pests.

Modify feed parts based on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Every lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, far better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!