Raising balanced chickens starts with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general effectively-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs aids be certain 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 Previous)
The 1st couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)

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

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

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Months Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein content material, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than QH88 layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.

Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s preference.

four. 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 assistance quick pounds acquire.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg issues or heart difficulties.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.

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

Retail outlet feed adequately to stop mold and pests.

Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!