Boosting wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Total nicely-currently being. No matter whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to guidance speedy development and growth. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, together with the ideal balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decrease protein information, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports regular progress with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium levels can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers have to have a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or coronary heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a great health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily intake. Offer wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, QH88 oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.
Retail outlet feed appropriately in order to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens properly at each life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!