Elevating nutritious chickens commences with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at each phase of existence is important for progress, egg generation, and overall properly-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their changing nutritional demands allows ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying a long time.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The very first number of weeks of the chick’s lifetime are crucial. Through this era, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the appropriate harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to try to eat)

Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Tip: Keep away from giving treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet program to make sure well balanced nourishment.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, ordinarily 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in young birds.

Goal: Supports constant progress devoid of encouraging premature laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay away from layer feed until they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm establishing organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for additional calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight achieve.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.

Tip: Keep track of feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart troubles.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats might be a terrific health supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they QH88 must make up no more than ten% of every day consumption. Give healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.

Final Ideas
Generally provide clear, fresh new h2o—it’s more critical than feed.

Store feed correctly in order to avoid mildew and pests.

Change feed parts dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every life stage makes certain a flourishing flock, improved egg production, and much less health concerns. With the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!