Boosting healthy chickens starts with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the ideal diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-currently being. Regardless of whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires allows ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. Through this era, chicks need large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

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

Idea: Avoid giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.

Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging premature laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of QH88 calcium to help eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for excess calcium.

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

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.

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

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

Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should 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: If the flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Last Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.

Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.

Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg generation, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!