Boosting nutritious chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Just about every stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total perfectly-currently being. Whether you might be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their changing nutritional requires aids ensure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying a long time.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first couple of weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for very small beaks to take in)

Nutritional 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 Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.

Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more 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 require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.

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

Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is QH88 usually a wonderful supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Supply healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.

Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.

Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.

Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!