Increasing wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented 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 initial several months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and a better volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for additional calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance swift pounds attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a good health supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they must make up no more than 10% of everyday ingestion. Present balanced alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, QH88 or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Last Ideas
Normally offer thoroughly clean, refreshing water—it’s more essential than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to avoid mould and pests.
Change feed parts according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg production, and less health problems. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!