Boosting wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Every single stage of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-getting. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. Through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lower protein content, typically fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Objective: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles more than pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a great complement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day consumption. Present nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to QH88 help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Shop 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 stage makes certain a thriving flock, better egg generation, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!