Raising wholesome chickens commences with suitable diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Every stage of daily life is important for advancement, egg creation, and General well-staying. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The very first several months of the chick’s life are crucial. For the duration of this period, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to guidance immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, together with the ideal harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

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

Suggestion: Steer clear of offering treats as well early—starter feed need to be their sole diet program to ensure balanced diet.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduced protein information, typically 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.

Reason: Supports steady development with no encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or QH88 treats.

Tip: Keep away from layer feed until eventually they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can damage establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.

Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help quick pounds gain.

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

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

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg problems or heart issues.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a terrific complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Offer balanced possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: Should your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.

Closing Suggestions
Generally offer cleanse, new drinking water—it’s extra essential than feed.

Retailer feed adequately to stay away from mildew and pests.

Change feed parts based upon flock size and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!