Raising healthier chickens starts off with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet at Each and every phase of lifetime is essential for growth, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their switching nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Previous)
The 1st couple months of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. All through this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to help quick progress and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–20% protein, along with the right equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent providing treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady development with no encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as superior calcium concentrations can hurt acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
After your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and an increased standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles over pellets—observe your QH88 flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast body weight gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than 10% of everyday ingestion. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Usually present thoroughly clean, fresh water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed correctly to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts depending on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every lifetime phase makes certain a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and much less health concerns. With the ideal diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!