Elevating healthier chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every single phase of existence is important for progress, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands allows make sure a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a person for their golden laying years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The first couple of weeks of the chick’s life are critical. Throughout this period, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to assistance rapid advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds consist of 18–twenty% protein, combined with the correct equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to take in)

Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.

Tip: Prevent giving treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet plan to guarantee well balanced nutrition.

2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lessen protein content material, normally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Intent: Supports continuous advancement without encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Tip: Avoid layer feed right until they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for added calcium.

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

4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Power-dense feed to assistance speedy fat QH88 achieve.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Suggestion: Check feed very carefully—overfeeding can result in leg problems or coronary heart complications.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a fantastic complement for your chickens’ diet, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of each day intake. Give healthier choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.

Ultimate Tips
Constantly provide clear, fresh drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.

Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mould and pests.

Adjust feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at Every daily life stage guarantees a thriving flock, better egg production, and much less health concerns. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!