Raising wholesome chickens begins with appropriate diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Just about every stage of daily life is important for progress, egg production, and In general very well-becoming. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary number of months of a chick’s life are crucial. Throughout this era, chicks involve significant-protein starter feed to guidance quick progress and growth. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, together with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for small beaks to take in)

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

Suggestion: Stay clear of providing treats far too early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to ensure balanced nutrition.

2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decreased protein content, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney problems in youthful birds.

Reason: Supports continuous growth with out encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Keep away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium stages can harm establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for excess calcium.

Tip: Some hens want crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to support speedy body weight attain.

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

Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.

Suggestion: Observe feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart problems.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a great dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than 10% of every day ingestion. Supply wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or QH88 fruits.

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

Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.

Remaining Guidelines
Usually deliver thoroughly clean, fresh drinking water—it’s extra critical than feed.

Store feed appropriately to avoid mildew and pests.

Change feed parts according to flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens the right way at Every daily life stage ensures a thriving flock, better egg manufacturing, and fewer health issues. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!