Increasing balanced chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are crucial. For the duration of this era, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to try to eat)

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

Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.

Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-choice for excess calcium.

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

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast fat attain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, QH88 or fruits.

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

Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Last Ideas
Usually offer thoroughly clean, new h2o—it’s extra significant than feed.

Retail outlet feed adequately in order to avoid mold and pests.

Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!