Elevating wholesome chickens starts with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the right eating plan at Just about every phase of everyday living is important for development, egg creation, and In general effectively-being. Whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their altering nutritional requires will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial several months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast development and progress. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Keep away from giving treats way too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein information, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right up until they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / Initially Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to guidance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique differs. Broilers require a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy body weight acquire.
Starter (0–three weeks): QH88 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great health supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they must make up no more than 10% of each day intake. Offer you balanced alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Tips
Often give cleanse, fresh h2o—it’s extra significant than feed.
Retail outlet feed appropriately in order to avoid mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Every existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!