Elevating healthier chickens commences with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and In general properly-being. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main handful of months of the chick’s everyday living are vital. In the course of this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program 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 steady growth without having encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give 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 QH88 or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.
Final Suggestions
Always provide clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.
Keep feed appropriately in order to avoid mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts determined by flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!