Boosting nutritious chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at Every single phase of existence is important for development, egg output, and All round very well-becoming. Whether you are elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional demands allows make sure a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying many years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The first few months of a chick’s existence are crucial. In the course of this period, chicks require superior-protein starter feed to guidance quick progress and improvement. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, together with the appropriate equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

Dietary supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Suggestion: Steer clear of offering treats also early—starter feed should be their sole eating plan to ensure well balanced nutrition.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduced protein information, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in young birds.

Objective: Supports regular growth with out encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Steer clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for extra calcium.

Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—notice QH88 your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers require a large-protein, Strength-dense feed to guidance immediate weight gain.

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

Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–twenty% protein.

Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart problems.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a great complement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer you healthful solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.

Remaining Suggestions
Generally deliver clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s extra essential than feed.

Retailer feed adequately to stay away from mould and pests.

Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!