Increasing wholesome chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the right diet at Each individual stage of life is important for growth, egg output, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying several years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this era, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate 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: Stay away from providing treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.

Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging untimely laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, QH88 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 around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.

Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.

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

Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to 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. Supply healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

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

Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new h2o—it’s extra significant than feed.

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

Adjust feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens properly at each everyday living stage guarantees a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, 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!