Raising healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a contented and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The first number of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to assist swift 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 make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as high calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for QH88 more calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by 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 whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more essential than feed.
Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg generation, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!