Increasing healthier chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet regime at Every phase of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and In general properly-remaining. No matter if you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their switching nutritional requirements aids ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st several weeks of a chick’s lifestyle are vital. Through this period, chicks involve large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds consist of 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from giving treats far too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein information, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in younger birds.
Intent: Supports continuous growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for added calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens want crumbles over pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a higher-protein, Vitality-dense feed to help quick fat achieve.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a fantastic complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day intake. Offer you wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock QH88 eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Suggestions
Generally provide thoroughly clean, contemporary h2o—it’s much more critical than feed.
Retail store feed properly to prevent mold and pests.
Modify feed portions depending on flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at each life phase makes certain a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!