Elevating nutritious chickens starts off with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are crucial. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / QH88 To start with Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance fast fat attain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!