Boosting healthier chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of lifestyle 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 shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast development and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Months Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney issues in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports regular development with out encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as substantial calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed very carefully—overfeeding can result in leg problems or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All QH88 Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a excellent nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by day intake. Provide wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Constantly deliver clean, clean h2o—it’s more important than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less health concerns. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!