Elevating healthier chickens starts off with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Every single stage of lifestyle is important for expansion, egg creation, and All round well-remaining. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their altering nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The primary couple months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to help speedy progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, along with the correct equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for very small beaks to consume)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only professional starter feed.

Tip: Keep away from supplying treats also early—starter feed need to be their sole diet program to guarantee well balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decrease protein information, commonly fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney problems 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 start laying, as significant QH88 calcium amounts can harm producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / Very first Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about sixteen% protein and a higher volume of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.

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

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid 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.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a terrific complement to your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.

Ultimate Suggestions
Generally supply clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s more crucial than feed.

Retail store feed effectively to stop mould and pests.

Modify feed portions based upon flock size and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and much less health concerns. With the ideal diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!