Increasing healthier chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Just about every stage of lifestyle is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements allows guarantee a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Aged)
The main couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of offering treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet regime to ensure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer QH88 feed to forestall kidney issues in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular development with no encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for further calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a good nutritional supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of daily consumption. Offer healthier options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Closing Tips
Constantly deliver thoroughly clean, clean h2o—it’s extra important than feed.
Shop feed effectively in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every existence phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!