Raising healthy chickens starts off with suitable nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at Every stage of everyday living is essential for progress, egg production, and Total well-currently being. No matter whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their changing nutritional demands can help make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st couple months of a chick’s life are critical. Throughout this era, chicks call for large-protein starter feed to assistance rapid development and improvement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, along with the right equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of supplying treats also early—starter feed really should be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein written content, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports constant development QH88 without having encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and the next amount of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a great complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they should make up not more than ten% of each day consumption. Provide balanced selections 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 total grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Recommendations
Often deliver clear, fresh water—it’s additional critical than feed.
Shop feed adequately to prevent mold and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at each lifestyle stage ensures a thriving flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less health concerns. With the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!