Boosting healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent health supplement on your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily intake. Offer wholesome choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Final Suggestions
Usually QH88 give clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, 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!