Elevating balanced chickens commences with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Just about every stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and General very well-getting. No matter whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their changing nutritional wants will help assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one to their golden laying many years.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The 1st few months of a chick’s life are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and growth. Most starter feeds comprise 18–20% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

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

Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet regime to ensure well balanced nutrition.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decrease protein information, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney challenges in youthful birds.

Purpose: Supports regular development without having encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated QH88 feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

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

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

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

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

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

Idea: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart issues.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a terrific health supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Last Ideas
Often provide clear, fresh new water—it’s a lot more vital than feed.

Shop feed appropriately to stay away from mold and pests.

Adjust feed portions depending on flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Every life phase assures a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!