Raising healthy chickens starts with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at Every stage of lifestyle is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and overall very well-becoming. Regardless of whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional demands allows guarantee a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. During this period, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to aid immediate progress and advancement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, along with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from giving treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (six–18 Months Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein written content, normally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in younger birds.
Intent: Supports regular progress without QH88 the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until eventually they start laying, as large calcium ranges can harm creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to support quick pounds obtain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a terrific nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than 10% of day by day intake. Provide healthy selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Last Tips
Generally supply clean up, clean h2o—it’s more critical than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to avoid mold and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every daily life stage guarantees a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!