Raising healthier chickens starts with correct nutrition. Feeding your flock the ideal diet at Every single stage of life is essential for expansion, egg generation, and Over-all effectively-currently being. No matter whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their transforming nutritional wants allows assure a happy and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The 1st few weeks of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this period, chicks need large-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and development. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decreased protein content, generally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney challenges in youthful QH88 birds.
Goal: Supports constant expansion with out encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as substantial calcium concentrations can hurt developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance fast pounds obtain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be a fantastic complement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of everyday ingestion. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats entire grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always present clean, clean h2o—it’s much more significant than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mold and pests.
Alter feed parts dependant on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual lifestyle stage ensures a flourishing flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health issues. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a few clucks of appreciation!