Elevating healthful chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Avoid supplying treats too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to guarantee balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, typically fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in younger birds.
Purpose: Supports steady growth with out encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
At the time your pullets lay QH88 their 1st egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers require a high-protein, Power-dense feed to assistance speedy bodyweight attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or coronary heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent complement to your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by day intake. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Always present clean, clean h2o—it’s much more significant than feed.
Store feed appropriately to avoid mold and pests.
Alter feed portions based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every everyday living phase assures a thriving flock, better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!