Elevating healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single phase of lifetime is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional demands aids assure a cheerful and effective flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Previous)
The very first several weeks of the chick’s everyday living are significant. In the course of this era, chicks involve substantial-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–20% protein, combined with the suitable balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for very small beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lower protein content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney troubles in younger birds.
Reason: Supports continual advancement without encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their QH88 initial egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight achieve.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg concerns or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent nutritional supplement in your chickens’ diet, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of every day ingestion. Provide nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats complete grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Suggestions
Constantly present clean up, new drinking water—it’s additional vital than feed.
Shop feed effectively to stop mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at each life phase makes certain a thriving flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!