Raising wholesome chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet regime at Just about every stage of life is important for growth, egg creation, and General perfectly-staying. No matter whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional requires aids assure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The initial number of months of a chick’s lifetime are significant. In the course of this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to guidance immediate advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the suitable harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent providing treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole eating plan to make certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Reason: Supports steady development with no encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as higher calcium amounts can harm acquiring organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater level of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens like crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a great complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they must make up not more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Supply wholesome choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or QH88 fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Often give clean, clean h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stop mould and pests.
Modify feed portions based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each individual life stage guarantees a thriving flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!