Raising wholesome chickens starts with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg output, and All round perfectly-getting. No matter whether you're raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their changing nutritional wants will help be certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The very first number of weeks of a chick’s lifestyle are vital. Through this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assistance fast growth and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, along with the ideal harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of supplying treats as well early—starter feed need to be their sole diet regime to ensure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein articles, generally QH88 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress with no encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed right until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / First Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about sixteen% 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 extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance speedy pounds attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a fantastic complement to your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than ten% 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 total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s much more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg generation, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!