Increasing wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every phase of lifestyle is essential for advancement, egg creation, and In general nicely-staying. No matter if you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their transforming nutritional needs assists make certain a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The main few months of the chick’s lifetime are critical. Throughout this era, chicks require high-protein starter feed to assistance immediate progress and advancement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, combined with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent supplying treats much too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can hurt establishing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance speedy fat get.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a great supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of daily consumption. Provide nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit QH88 to assist digestion.
Remaining Ideas
Normally offer cleanse, fresh new water—it’s a lot more significant than feed.
Store feed effectively in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Every existence stage guarantees a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and fewer health problems. With the correct diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!