Elevating nutritious chickens starts off with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. No matter if you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their modifying nutritional desires helps make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The primary several months of a chick’s existence are essential. During this era, chicks require high-protein starter feed to assistance fast development and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet program to ensure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lessen protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports regular progress devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as high calcium levels can hurt acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart issues.
five. QH88 Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be quite a terrific complement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by day intake. Give nutritious alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Closing Ideas
Always deliver thoroughly clean, fresh water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Keep feed properly to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts depending on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every lifetime phase makes certain a thriving flock, far better egg generation, and less medical issues. With the best eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!