Increasing nutritious chickens commences with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at each phase of daily life is essential for advancement, egg generation, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their changing nutritional demands allows make certain a cheerful and productive flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The initial handful of months of the chick’s daily life are essential. Through this period, chicks require superior-protein starter feed to guidance speedy advancement and progress. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, along with the right equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from giving treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decreased protein content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Reason: Supports steady growth without having encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Steer clear of layer feed right up until they start laying, as substantial calcium stages can harm building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
After your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and an increased degree of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for additional calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance immediate bodyweight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a good nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer balanced selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, QH88 or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always give clean, clean h2o—it’s a lot more significant than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every everyday living phase assures a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!