Raising healthy chickens begins with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet plan at Each and every stage of life is important for progress, egg output, and In general very well-currently being. Irrespective of whether you happen to be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional desires aids guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The primary few weeks of the chick’s existence are essential. During this period, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to assistance speedy progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to guarantee balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein written content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports steady development with no encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed until eventually they start laying, as substantial calcium degrees can damage acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a good nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of everyday intake. Give balanced selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats total grains or QH88 roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Last Recommendations
Often deliver thoroughly clean, contemporary h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to avoid mold and pests.
Alter feed parts dependant on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every daily life phase makes certain a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and much less health concerns. With the correct diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!