Raising balanced chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all nicely-remaining. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires aids be certain 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 several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the ideal equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lower protein content, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily ingestion. Offer wholesome choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Final Suggestions
Usually provide clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional critical than feed.
Keep feed appropriately in order QH88 to avoid mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens properly at each everyday living stage guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!