Raising wholesome chickens starts with good nutrition. Feeding your flock the right eating plan at Just about every phase of existence is important for development, egg generation, and General very well-being. Whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their switching nutritional needs assists make certain a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one for their golden laying several years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The very first couple of months of a chick’s existence are crucial. During this era, chicks need high-protein starter feed to support immediate progress and advancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, along with the right stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for tiny beaks to consume)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only business starter feed.

Idea: Stay away from offering treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole eating plan to make sure balanced nutrition.

2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in younger birds.

Objective: Supports steady advancement without encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit should you QH88 introduce grains or treats.

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

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and the next degree of calcium to guidance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens like crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s preference.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers need a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to guidance swift body weight get.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Tip: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can lead to leg challenges or coronary heart troubles.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a excellent complement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they should make up not more than ten% of day-to-day ingestion. Offer you wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.

Closing Suggestions
Constantly provide thoroughly clean, clean drinking water—it’s additional important than feed.

Retailer feed adequately to stay away from mould and pests.

Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!