Boosting healthier chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for development, egg output, and overall very well-staying. No matter whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge 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 decades.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of 18–twenty% protein, combined with the appropriate balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.

Idea: Avoid supplying treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney problems in youthful birds.

Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt establishing organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for added calcium.

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

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help immediate excess weight achieve.

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

Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Suggestion: Keep QH88 an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be 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 possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

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

Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, refreshing water—it’s more vital than feed.

Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.

Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!