Boosting balanced chickens starts with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet plan at Each and every stage of everyday living is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and General well-remaining. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their switching nutritional demands assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying several years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first several months of the chick’s existence are significant. For the duration of this period, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to help speedy development and growth. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, along with the right balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to consume)

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

Tip: Avoid offering treats too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet program to ensure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduce protein articles, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney challenges in youthful birds.

Intent: Supports steady growth with out encouraging untimely laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as higher calcium ranges can hurt producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to help eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support fast fat get.

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

Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.

Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart difficulties.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a terrific supplement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of every day ingestion. Offer you wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.

Ultimate Tips
Constantly provide clear, fresh new water—it’s a lot more vital than feed.

Shop feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.

Adjust feed portions according to flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at each lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and QH88 less health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!