Increasing healthful chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet plan at Every phase of existence is essential for advancement, egg creation, and General very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main handful of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)

Nutritional 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 plan to make sure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.

Reason: Supports constant development with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice QH88 your flock’s preference.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick pounds acquire.

Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.

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

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

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. 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: Should your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.

Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.

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

Adjust feed parts determined by flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!