Raising balanced chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the best eating plan at Just about every stage of life is essential for development, egg manufacturing, and In general very well-becoming. Whether or not you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants will help assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Old)
The primary couple months of the chick’s lifetime are significant. Throughout this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid rapid advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the proper stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to consume)

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

Suggestion: Stay away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole diet plan to ensure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Months Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduce protein information, normally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney concerns in younger birds.

Reason: Supports steady development devoid of encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Tip: Stay away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as high calcium levels can hurt establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a better degree of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for additional calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance fast fat attain.

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

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

Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart difficulties.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of each day consumption. Provide healthy solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.

Ultimate Suggestions
Always give thoroughly clean, contemporary water—it’s far QH88 more important than feed.

Keep feed correctly to stop mould and pests.

Adjust feed portions based upon flock size and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Each individual lifestyle stage guarantees a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health problems. With the best eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!