Raising healthier chickens commences with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round well-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires assists assure a contented and productive 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 initial several months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for tiny beaks to eat)

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

Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Months Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports constant growth devoid of encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can harm creating organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.

Starter (0–three QH88 months): 22–24% protein.

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

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Last Ideas
Usually give clean up, fresh water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.

Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.

Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every lifetime stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg production, and less health problems. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!