Increasing healthful chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to make sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, normally fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg issues or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement for your chickens’ diet QH88 regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally give clear, clean water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!