Boosting wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular advancement without the need of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day-to-day consumption. 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 present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s a lot more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving QH88 flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!