Increasing healthful chickens begins with correct diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for growth, egg production, and In general properly-getting. No matter if you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their changing nutritional demands assists be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial several months of the chick’s everyday living are essential. In the course of this period, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to assistance speedy progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, combined with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent providing treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet to be certain balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein articles, typically 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney problems in young birds.
Function: Supports steady development devoid of encouraging untimely 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 concentrations can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a greater level of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to aid speedy body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than ten% of everyday intake. Give balanced solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Usually present thoroughly clean, fresh new water—it’s additional crucial than feed.
Retail store feed effectively QH88 to stay away from mold and pests.
Modify feed portions determined by flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every lifetime phase makes sure a thriving flock, better egg creation, and fewer health problems. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!