Increasing healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Each and every phase of everyday living is essential for advancement, egg generation, and General perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their transforming nutritional requires helps make certain a cheerful and effective flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. Throughout this period, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to guidance swift progress and advancement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the suitable balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

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

Tip: Keep away from giving treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lessen protein content, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in young birds.

Objective: Supports constant progress with no encouraging premature laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit should you introduce QH88 grains or treats.

Tip: Avoid layer feed until they begin laying, as substantial calcium stages can harm establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to assist eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.

Idea: 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 technique is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate weight gain.

Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Keep an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a terrific complement in your chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than 10% of each day consumption. Supply healthy options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In the event your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.

Remaining Tips
Always provide clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.

Keep feed appropriately in order to avoid mold and pests.

Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!