Elevating nutritious chickens begins with right diet. Feeding your flock the ideal diet at Each and every phase of everyday living is essential for development, egg creation, and General perfectly-staying. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first several months of the chick’s lifestyle are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the appropriate harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.

Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to guarantee balanced nutrition.

2. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than QH88 layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.

Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially 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 help eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.

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

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

Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.

Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver clean up, contemporary drinking water—it’s far more crucial than feed.

Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.

Regulate feed portions depending on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater 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!