Increasing balanced chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is essential for progress, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional requires 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 yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main handful of months of the chick’s everyday living are vital. All through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for tiny beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous progress without having encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to QH88 assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more 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 significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of daily consumption. Provide healthy choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Final Tips
Always provide clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual life phase assures a thriving flock, better egg production, and less medical issues. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!