Raising healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet plan at each stage of daily life is essential for growth, egg output, and All round perfectly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional requirements can help be certain a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one for their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The primary number of weeks of the chick’s lifetime are significant. Throughout this period, chicks need large-protein starter feed to help quick progress and advancement. Most starter feeds have eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the right harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of offering treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to make sure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lower protein information, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Purpose: Supports regular development without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed until they begin laying, as significant calcium concentrations can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and an increased degree of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles more than QH88 pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up no more than ten% of everyday intake. Give balanced selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Normally supply clean, clean h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly in order to avoid mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each individual lifestyle stage guarantees a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and less health problems. With the best food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!