Raising healthier chickens commences with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Just about every stage of daily life is essential for growth, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. Whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs assists make certain a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The main couple weeks of the chick’s daily life are crucial. During this era, chicks demand higher-protein starter feed to support rapid advancement and progress. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to consume)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of supplying treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to make certain well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduced protein material, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual expansion without encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium amounts can harm producing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-option for additional calcium.
Tip: Some hens favor crumbles above pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assist swift weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic complement for your chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Provide healthy solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Often deliver clear, fresh new water—it’s far QH88 more important than feed.
Keep feed properly to prevent mildew and pests.
Change feed portions based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!