Increasing healthful chickens begins with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding 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 decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s life are critical. Throughout this era, chicks involve large-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks 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 less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant expansion devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or QH88 crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a fantastic supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious 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 full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally give clear, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential 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 Every single existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!