Raising nutritious chickens commences with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Each and every phase of lifestyle is important for advancement, egg generation, and overall properly-being. Whether you are elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their altering nutritional demands allows make certain a happy and productive flock. This hen feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one for their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The very first couple of months of a chick’s existence are crucial. For the duration of this period, chicks involve superior-protein starter feed to guidance quick development and development. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, along with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of providing treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole eating plan to make sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduce protein material, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Reason: Supports continuous expansion without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as significant calcium stages can hurt establishing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles above pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist swift pounds gain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding QH88 may lead to leg difficulties or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a excellent complement in your chickens’ diet plan, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of every day consumption. Provide balanced possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Ideas
Normally supply cleanse, fresh water—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts dependant on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every everyday living phase assures a thriving flock, better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!