Raising healthy chickens starts with correct nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Every single stage of everyday living is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and General perfectly-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires aids assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one for their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The main couple months of a chick’s daily life are essential. All through this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to support immediate expansion and progress. Most starter feeds comprise 18–20% protein, together with the suitable harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent providing treats too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet regime to ensure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lessen protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed QH88 is made up of about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a great complement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of each day consumption. Provide healthy solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to assist digestion.
Last Strategies
Constantly offer cleanse, new drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Every daily life stage makes certain a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less health concerns. With the right diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!