Boosting healthier chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires assists ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Previous)
The first couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are significant. Throughout this era, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assistance rapid expansion and progress. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, along with the right harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick pounds obtain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent complement for your chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give healthy choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Final Suggestions
Generally provide thoroughly clean, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mould and pests.
Regulate feed portions based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual everyday living stage ensures QH88 a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!