Boosting wholesome chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the best diet regime 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 Grownup 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 a single for their golden laying decades.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The 1st couple months of a chick’s lifestyle are vital. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to help quick growth and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the appropriate balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to try to eat)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Tip: Stay clear of providing treats way too early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to be certain balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decrease protein written content, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney concerns in young birds.

Purpose: Supports continuous expansion without having encouraging premature laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm developing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-choice for further calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help immediate excess weight gain.

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

Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.

Tip: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats might be a good complement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Present balanced solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.

Final Guidelines
Always give clean up, new drinking water—it’s far more vital than feed.

Shop feed effectively to stop mould and pests.

Change feed parts dependant on flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, QH88 and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!