Increasing healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires aids assure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. Through this era, chicks need large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Purpose: Supports steady growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and the next level of calcium to support eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above QH88 pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Power-dense feed to help quick body weight attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg issues or coronary heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats might be a terrific supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!