Boosting wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming 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 many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The initial several months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this period, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to support speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for little beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Prevent supplying treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and a higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat QH88 Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Closing Ideas
Normally offer cleanse, fresh h2o—it’s more essential than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.
Adjust feed portions depending on flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Each individual lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!