Raising nutritious chickens starts with suitable nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper eating plan at each stage of lifestyle is essential for development, egg creation, and Total properly-staying. Whether you might be increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowing their modifying nutritional requirements helps be certain a cheerful and productive flock. This rooster feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from day 1 for their golden laying many years.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Aged)
The primary couple of months of the chick’s existence are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks call for higher-protein starter feed to guidance rapid progress and enhancement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)

Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein material, usually fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in younger birds.

Purpose: Supports continual development without the need of encouraging premature laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as superior calcium amounts can damage acquiring organs.

3. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and an increased volume of calcium to support eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for extra calcium.

Idea: Some hens like crumbles over pellets—notice your flock’s choice.

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding strategy differs. Broilers need a high-protein, energy-dense feed to aid swift fat acquire.

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

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

Idea: Check feed carefully—overfeeding may result in leg concerns or coronary heart difficulties.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats generally is a excellent nutritional supplement in QH88 your chickens’ food plan, but they should make up no more than 10% of day by day ingestion. Provide healthier solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.

Remaining Tips
Usually supply clear, refreshing drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.

Retailer feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.

Regulate feed portions depending on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the proper diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!