Raising healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper food plan at Just about every phase of daily life is essential for advancement, egg generation, and overall perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires aids be certain a cheerful and effective flock. This hen 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 demand large-protein starter feed to assistance swift growth and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–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: Steer clear of providing treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lower protein content material, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular development with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Keep away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you QH88 oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Power-dense feed to help speedy bodyweight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a excellent complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Normally offer clear, clean drinking water—it’s a lot more essential than feed.
Shop feed properly to avoid mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg production, and less health problems. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!