Raising wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Total well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires helps 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 a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. Throughout this period, chicks require substantial-protein starter feed to assist fast growth and enhancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement without the need of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or QH88 crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.
Keep feed appropriately in order to avoid mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens properly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!