Raising nutritious chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development 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 little beaks to try to eat)

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

Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to be sure 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 decreased protein information, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney problems in youthful birds.

Reason: Supports constant development with out 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 / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for excess calcium.

Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid fat QH88 attain.

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

Finisher (3 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 wonderful health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily intake. Offer wholesome choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In case your flock eats entire grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.

Final Tips
Always provide clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.

Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.

Change feed portions according to flock size and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg production, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!