Increasing healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying decades.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)

Dietary supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only business starter feed.

Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lower protein content, typically fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in younger birds.

Objective: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

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

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as 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: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for added calcium.

Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.

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

Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.

Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement in your chickens’ eating plan, 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: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.

Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.

Shop feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.

Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!