Elevating nutritious chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for growth, egg output, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension 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 Previous)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are crucial. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate development and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Avoid giving treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: QH88 Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Present balanced solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally offer clear, fresh new water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!