Elevating healthier chickens commences with suitable diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet at Every single stage of life is important for advancement, egg output, and Total effectively-being. Whether or not you might be increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs can help make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The initial handful of weeks of the chick’s lifetime are essential. Through this period, chicks require superior-protein starter feed to assist speedy growth and enhancement. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the appropriate stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of offering treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole food plan to make certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lessen protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney difficulties in young birds.
Function: Supports continual advancement with out encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Keep away from layer feed right until they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a better degree of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Provide QH88 oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist fast fat gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a terrific complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they should make up not more than 10% of every day ingestion. Offer you healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always give clean, clean h2o—it’s a lot more significant than feed.
Shop feed adequately to stay away from mold and pests.
Modify feed portions depending on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, better egg output, and much less health concerns. With the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!