Increasing healthy chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first number of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for little beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight get.
Starter (0–three QH88 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 could be a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Last Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s extra vital than feed.
Retail store feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!