Boosting healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Over-all effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary few weeks of a chick’s daily life are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain 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 decreased protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can QH88 hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day 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 full grains or roughage, give grit to aid digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer thoroughly clean, new h2o—it’s extra vital than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!