Elevating healthful chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the QH88 event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present clear, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Shop feed properly to avoid mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg output, and less health problems. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!