Raising healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying decades.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s everyday living are vital. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

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

Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nourishment.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduced protein content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in young birds.

Goal: Supports regular growth with out encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt establishing organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with 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 development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.

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

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance fast fat attain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be quite a good supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious selections QH88 like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.

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

Store feed properly to stay away from mildew and pests.

Modify feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!