Raising healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their altering nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of the chick’s daily life are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)

Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.

Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decreased protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.

Purpose: Supports continuous progress with no encouraging premature laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay clear of layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st 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 assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.

Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your QH88 flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to aid fast fat gain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s much more important than feed.

Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.

Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!