Elevating healthier chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Irrespective of whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements can help make sure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift progress and improvement. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, along with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding strategy differs. Broilers require a substantial-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy weight gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Generally provide thoroughly clean, clean drinking water—it’s additional vital than feed.
Shop feed correctly to stay away from QH88 mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every single lifetime phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg output, and less health problems. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!