Raising wholesome chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Just about every stage of everyday living is important for development, egg production, and In general properly-becoming. Regardless of whether you might be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their shifting nutritional requires helps make sure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of the chick’s life are crucial. For the duration of this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assistance speedy development and advancement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats too early—starter feed should be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduce protein written content, usually 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular development without having encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay away from layer feed until eventually they begin laying, as superior calcium ranges can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
After your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a better amount of calcium to help eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight achieve.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a good health supplement in your chickens’ diet, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Offer you healthy possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Last Guidelines
Generally deliver clean, new water—it’s a lot more critical than feed.
Keep feed adequately to stay away from mould and pests.
Change feed portions determined by flock dimensions QH88 and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!