Boosting balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every single phase of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their transforming nutritional requires will help ensure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than QH88 layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater amount of calcium to support eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast fat attain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg challenges or coronary heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a terrific supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you nutritious selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: 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 deliver clear, fresh new water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg production, and less health problems. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!