Raising healthy chickens starts with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional demands helps guarantee a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day one to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary few weeks of a chick’s daily life are important. In the course of this period, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid growth and development. Most starter feeds have 18–twenty% protein, combined with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from supplying treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to ensure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decreased protein content, normally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney problems in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular development with out encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When 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 greater standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or QH88 crushed eggshells free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to aid immediate weight acquire.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed diligently—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a terrific supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they should make up not more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Provide balanced alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats whole grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Final Guidelines
Always supply cleanse, fresh water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Retail store feed properly to avoid mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts determined by flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg creation, and fewer medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!