Increasing healthy chickens starts with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet plan at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. No matter whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands allows make sure a happy and effective flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Previous)
The primary handful of months of the chick’s existence are crucial. In the course of this era, chicks have to have substantial-protein starter feed to help rapid expansion and improvement. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, along with the ideal stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Prevent supplying treats as well early—starter feed really should be their sole diet to make certain balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lessen protein material, typically 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney troubles in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports constant expansion without encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as higher calcium degrees can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles above pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to help speedy fat achieve.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Check feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a fantastic complement for your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of daily consumption. Provide 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, supply grit to aid digestion.
Last Ideas
Usually offer thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions determined by flock QH88 dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual life phase assures a thriving flock, better egg production, and much less health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!