Increasing wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-being. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional requires will help be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s life are critical. During this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed QH88 to forestall kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should 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 no cost-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good nutritional 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: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly supply clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!