Raising wholesome chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg generation, and General perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual 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 Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)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 couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to guidance 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 unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.

Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way 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 reduced protein material, usually 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports constant growth without 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 building organs.

three. Layer QH88 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 a higher amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.

Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.

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

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

Tip: Keep track of feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give healthy options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

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

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

Retailer feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.

Regulate feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!