How to Feed Pullet Chickens

Chickens are no longer seen only on farms and ranches. Many communities allow residents to raise chickens near their homes, and pullets are particularly popular with novice and experienced chicken owners alike. Pullets are classified as female chickens under one year of age that has laid her first egg, but has not yet gone through her first moult. Pullets must be fed a balanced diet to stimulate proper growth and healthy feather development.

Things You'll Need

  • Shallow feed pans
  • Chick starter
  • Fresh greens
  • Water dish
  • Poultry vitamins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Equip your chicken coop with shallow feeding pans. Small pullets may have trouble reaching taller feed pans, and wide feed dishes keep messy birds from flinging food all over the coop. Large bucket lids and plastic planter bases are acceptable substitutes if you don't have access to commercial chicken feeders.

    • 2

      Pour a layer of chick starter in the bottom of each feeder. Pullets are growing birds and need nutrient-rich chick starter for proper egg development and feather growth. Refill the feeders as frequently as necessary to ensure your pullets have the ability to eat whenever they're hungry.

    • 3

      Turn your pullets out to forage on fresh grass, or sprinkle handfuls of fresh greens around the coop if you have nowhere for the pullets to graze. Access to greens gives your pullets variety and mimics their natural foraging habits. Lettuce, spinach and cucumbers are good for your pullets, as are small amounts of grass clippings from your mower.

    • 4

      Fill water dishes with cool water and add a few drops of poultry vitamins to each dish. Adding vitamins to the water prevents growth disorders and illnesses from inadequate nutrition and allows your pullets to grow into happy, healthy hens.