Increasing healthful chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every phase of lifetime is important for growth, egg output, and All round well-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires aids ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying several years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The 1st few months of the chick’s lifestyle are vital. Through this era, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to support fast development and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, along with the proper balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)

Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.

Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in younger birds.

Objective: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide 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 excess weight get.

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

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

Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart issues.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a terrific complement QH88 in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day consumption. Present nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.

Remaining Strategies
Normally present cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more critical than feed.

Retail outlet feed properly in order to avoid mildew and pests.

Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at each existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, greater egg generation, and less health problems. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!