Increasing healthy chickens starts with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-getting. Whether or not you're 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 years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for tiny beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer QH88 calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney concerns in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous progress without having encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily intake. Offer wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.
Final Tips
Always provide clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.
Keep feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.
Regulate feed portions depending on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!