Increasing wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, combined with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)

Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure 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 with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt establishing QH88 organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first 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 calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for added calcium.

Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.

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

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

Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart troubles.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give healthy choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: In case your flock eats entire grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.

Final Tips
Always provide clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.

Retailer feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.

Regulate feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!