Increasing healthier chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Each individual stage of everyday living is essential for expansion, egg production, and Total nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you're raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their changing nutritional demands can help make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The initial handful of weeks of the chick’s daily life are essential. Through this period, chicks require high-protein starter feed to guidance quick development and improvement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the correct equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for very small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed should be their sole diet program to be certain well balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decrease protein information, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular development without having encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens QH88 favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a superior-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance speedy fat achieve.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg difficulties or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a excellent complement to your chickens’ diet, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of daily consumption. Offer nutritious choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Strategies
Usually give clean up, new water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Change feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every single lifetime stage guarantees a thriving flock, better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!