Elevating healthful chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with 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 years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this period, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to support speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats far too 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 decreased protein information, commonly 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: QH88 Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to support speedy body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Last Ideas
Often offer thoroughly clean, new h2o—it’s extra vital than feed.
Retail outlet feed adequately in order to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!