Boosting healthy chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the correct diet regime at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Total effectively-being. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their modifying nutritional desires can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one to their golden laying several years.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)

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

Suggestion: Steer clear of providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful QH88 birds.

Function: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assist eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.

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

Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.

Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful 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
Constantly give clear, clean h2o—it’s more critical than feed.

Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.

Change feed portions according to flock size and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!