Elevating healthy chickens commences with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the correct diet regime at Each individual phase of existence is essential for advancement, egg output, and In general very well-staying. Whether or not you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional needs can help ensure a cheerful and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The primary few months of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to guidance immediate advancement and progress. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, together with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for very small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Stay away from supplying treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to be certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports regular development devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay away from layer feed until eventually they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can damage building organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater level of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer you 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 (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, QH88 moderately)
Treats can be quite a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up not more than 10% of daily ingestion. Offer you healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats complete grains or roughage, offer grit to help digestion.
Last Suggestions
Generally present clear, new drinking water—it’s more significant than feed.
Store feed appropriately to prevent mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based on flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Every daily life phase makes certain a flourishing flock, improved egg production, and much less health issues. With the correct diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!