Raising nutritious chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to guarantee balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher QH88 (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg problems or heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be a great health supplement to the chickens’ diet, but they ought 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, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s extra essential than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to stay away from mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!