Elevating wholesome chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for development, egg production, and In general properly-getting. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires helps make certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st few months of the chick’s life are vital. For the duration of this period, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to aid immediate advancement and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Avoid offering treats too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet program to ensure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decrease protein content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney issues in young birds.
Objective: Supports constant expansion without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Avoid layer feed till they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three QH88 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a good nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of each day intake. Give nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats whole grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Last Tips
Constantly provide cleanse, fresh drinking water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Keep feed properly in order to avoid mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual lifestyle stage ensures a flourishing flock, better egg production, and fewer health issues. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!