Elevating wholesome chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round well-staying. No matter if you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main several months of a chick’s daily life are important. During this era, chicks require high-protein starter feed to assistance speedy progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, along with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from supplying treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet to be certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein written content, normally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Function: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, QH88 as substantial calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater amount of calcium to aid eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers require a substantial-protein, Strength-dense feed to assist quick fat obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a terrific complement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Give healthy options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats whole grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.
Final Tips
Always deliver clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.
Keep feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.
Regulate feed portions depending on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!