Raising healthy chickens commences with proper nutrition. Feeding your flock the right diet plan at Every single stage of daily life is important for growth, egg output, and Total properly-currently being. No matter whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their modifying nutritional desires helps make certain a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st couple months of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to aid rapid growth and improvement. Most starter feeds include 18–twenty% protein, together with the appropriate stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to consume)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from giving treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to be certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly reduced protein written content, usually 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in younger birds.
Reason: Supports continuous growth without having encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as high calcium concentrations can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or coronary heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be quite a good supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Strategies
Always supply cleanse, fresh water—it’s much more critical than feed.
Retail store feed properly to avoid mold and pests.
Modify feed portions according to flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every lifetime stage guarantees a flourishing flock, improved egg generation, and less health problems. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and QH88 perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!