Raising healthy chickens starts with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at Every phase of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and Total nicely-remaining. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s life are essential. All through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in QH88 young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach 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 weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day intake. Present nutritious 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 much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase 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!