Raising healthier chickens starts off with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the right eating plan at Each individual phase of daily life is essential for growth, egg output, and Total effectively-becoming. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their transforming nutritional wants allows guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The first number of months of a chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to help quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, combined with the proper stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for little beaks to eat)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.

Tip: Avoid offering treats also early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet to be sure balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.

Intent: Supports regular progress without the need of encouraging untimely laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay away from layer feed until eventually they begin QH88 laying, as substantial calcium degrees can damage establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to aid fast body weight gain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Tip: Check feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart issues.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up not more than 10% of every day ingestion. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: When your flock eats entire grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.

Remaining Guidelines
Usually deliver clear, fresh water—it’s extra crucial than feed.

Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mould and pests.

Modify feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Just about every life phase ensures a flourishing flock, better egg manufacturing, and fewer health issues. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!