Raising healthy chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of life is essential for advancement, egg creation, and Total effectively-being. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their shifting nutritional requires allows ensure a happy and successful flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day 1 for their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st couple months of a chick’s lifestyle are vital. Through this period, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to guidance swift expansion and progress. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–20% protein, along with the correct equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Stay away from offering treats too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet plan to guarantee well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduce protein articles, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Function: Supports constant progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed until eventually they start laying, as large QH88 calcium levels can damage establishing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a higher-protein, Power-dense feed to help speedy fat get.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a great complement in your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Provide healthy selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Closing Suggestions
Generally offer cleanse, new drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Store feed appropriately to stay away from mold and pests.
Modify feed parts according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Every existence stage guarantees a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and less health concerns. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!