Increasing healthful chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Each and every phase of life is essential for expansion, egg production, and Total perfectly-getting. Whether or not you are boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their transforming nutritional requires helps make certain a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The initial number of weeks of a chick’s life are crucial. In the course of this period, chicks require high-protein starter feed to guidance swift progress and improvement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, combined with the proper equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats far too early—starter feed needs to be their sole eating plan to make sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lower protein material, commonly fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports steady growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right until they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can harm creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher level of calcium to aid eggshell QH88 formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Power-dense feed to assist swift pounds attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or coronary heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a great complement for your chickens’ food plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always give clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s far more vital than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to prevent mold and pests.
Modify feed portions according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Each individual everyday living phase assures a thriving flock, much better egg production, and less health problems. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!