Raising wholesome chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each stage of everyday living is important for progress, egg creation, and All round nicely-being. Whether or not you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires allows assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person for their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The primary number of weeks of a chick’s daily life are essential. During this era, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to support fast development and advancement. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, together with the proper balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to guarantee balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduce protein articles, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady development with no encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as higher calcium levels can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
Once your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a great complement for your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up not more than 10% of every day ingestion. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always provide clear, fresh water—it’s far more important QH88 than feed.
Keep feed properly to prevent mildew and pests.
Change feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual lifestyle stage ensures a flourishing flock, improved egg generation, and less health issues. With the ideal diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!