Elevating healthy chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve large-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the ideal harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decreased protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement to the QH88 chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day consumption. Present balanced solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!