Increasing healthy chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every single phase of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and General well-staying. No matter if you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their transforming nutritional needs aids be certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The initial number of weeks of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assistance rapid advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the suitable harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Avoid offering treats also early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to make sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lower protein material, generally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in young birds.
Goal: Supports constant progress with no encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right until they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / To start with Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed QH88 (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed meticulously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a great complement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day intake. Offer balanced selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Final Recommendations
Often deliver clear, fresh new water—it’s far more essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed correctly to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts according to flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every lifetime phase makes certain a thriving flock, superior egg output, and less medical issues. With the appropriate diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!