Raising healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lower protein content, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Objective: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe QH88 your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly supply clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!