Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Raising healthier chickens starts with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the correct eating plan at each phase of lifetime is essential for growth, egg production, and overall well-remaining. Whether you happen to be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands helps make certain a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying many years.

1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The main few weeks of a chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this era, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to help quick advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, along with the proper stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to try to eat)

Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Idea: Stay clear of offering treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet plan to ensure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lower protein material, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in young birds.

Function: Supports continual advancement without having encouraging premature laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

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

Idea: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as higher calcium ranges can hurt developing organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater level of calcium to assist eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for extra calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance fast fat gain.

Starter (0–3 QH88 weeks): 22–24% protein.

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

Idea: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement for your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up not more than 10% of daily ingestion. Present healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: In the event your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.

Ultimate Tips
Normally give clean, contemporary water—it’s far more essential than feed.

Retail outlet feed correctly to avoid mold and pests.

Alter feed parts based on flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Every daily life stage makes certain a thriving flock, greater egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!