Raising wholesome chickens starts with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and General properly-currently being. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional requires aids ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The main handful of weeks of a chick’s life are vital. Through this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to help speedy progress and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–20% protein, along with the right equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of offering treats too early—starter feed should be their sole food plan to be sure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduce protein information, normally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady progress without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as superior calcium levels can hurt developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a greater level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens like crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid excess weight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart difficulties.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a wonderful health supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they should make up not more than 10% of QH88 each day intake. Present healthful solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Generally supply clean up, new drinking water—it’s extra essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed properly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, superior egg output, and less health problems. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!