Raising healthier chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the proper food plan at Just about every stage of existence is important for growth, egg creation, and In general nicely-currently being. Regardless of whether you happen to be increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, being familiar with their altering nutritional wants aids guarantee a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one to their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The first few months of a chick’s life are significant. All through this period, chicks require superior-protein starter feed to assist speedy advancement and progress. Most starter feeds have eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the right harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from offering treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole eating plan to ensure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein content material, normally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they start laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a better volume of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell QH88 or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers have to have a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to aid immediate pounds attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Observe feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg troubles or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be a good nutritional supplement to the chickens’ diet plan, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of day by day intake. Present healthful solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Last Recommendations
Always offer clear, contemporary h2o—it’s more essential than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to stop mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions according to flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!