Raising healthful chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed QH88 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 in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ 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 better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a great complement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to stop mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!