Boosting balanced chickens starts off with suitable diet. Feeding your flock the best diet plan at each phase of everyday living is essential for advancement, egg output, and In general nicely-staying. Whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional requirements aids assure a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding manual walks you through 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. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed must 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 decreased protein information, commonly 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney problems in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit QH88 if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial 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 the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks 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, sparsely)
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 options 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 give cleanse, clean water—it’s much more important than feed.
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 proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!