Elevating healthy chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and overall very well-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional requirements can help be certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The main number of weeks of a chick’s life are critical. Throughout this era, chicks require significant-protein starter feed to guidance speedy growth and development. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, along with the suitable balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (simpler for little beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Keep away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make certain well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lower protein material, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady development with no encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance speedy fat attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg problems or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent dietary supplement in your chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than ten% of day-to-day ingestion. Offer you wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, QH88 Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Suggestions
Constantly deliver clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s extra important than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stop mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts based on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence stage makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and less health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!