Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular. Finding a feed suitable for your flock’s health and size is essential. With options ranging from mashes to crumbles and pellets available, selecting one with ease should ensure healthy chickens.
Organic layer pellets are an ideal choice for laying hens, as they contain the optimal blend of protein, calcium and other vital nutrients that promote egg production in strong and healthy chickens.
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Feeding Age
Feeding your flock a nutritionally complete diet will prevent diseases and maximize egg production.
Starting on hatch day until they are eight weeks old, baby chicks require a specific chick starter diet with 18-20% protein to promote optimal development and prevent diseases such as respiratory issues. This feed also contains essential vitamins and minerals to support health during their first eight weeks.
Once chicks reach adolescence (8-20 weeks), they become pullets (female adolescents) or cockerels (male adolescents). At this stage, they begin laying eggs and can be transitioned onto laying hen food that contains more proteins and calcium than their previous grower feed.
Avoid feeding table scraps and treats to your laying hens as these items dilute the complete nutrition provided in a commercially prepared feed, leading to feather picking, aggression and egg binding issues. Limit these treats, scratch and grass clippings to 10% or less of their daily diet.
Purpose
Your flock’s health relies on high-quality chicken feed. A top choice would include calcium for egg-laying hens and prebiotics/probiotics to promote digestion. In addition, black soldier fly grubs are an excellent protein source that are higher in nutrients including amino acids and lipids than soybeans – offering your flock the nutrition it needs for optimal growth and success.
Starting off their lives right, newly hatched chicks need a starter feed, also referred to as grower feed, that’s finely ground and similar in texture to potting soil. Grower feed should only be given for the first 12 weeks after hatching before transitioning over to crumble or pellets.
Once your hens begin laying eggs, it is important to switch their feed. Layer feed contains an optimal balance of proteins, calcium, vitamins and minerals in order to produce nutritious eggs for consumption by your birds. It should also contain shell grit so as to facilitate digestion and boost their calcium levels.
Feeding Type
Finding the appropriate chicken feed can be a difficult and time consuming task for newcomers or semi-experienced chicken keepers alike. There are so many options and terminology that it can be overwhelming when trying to select food suitable for their flock, from mash to grower feed and medicated or nonmedicated options – and so much more to consider when selecting food suitable for them!
Freshly hatched chicks should receive a starter diet (also referred to as grower feed), which provides them with all the nutrition they require to flourish properly and flourish as chicks. It may come in crumble, pellet or scratch form. Once chickens begin laying eggs they should switch over to layer feed specially tailored to meet their dietary needs and ensure optimal egg laying capabilities.
This organic chicken feed features natural ingredients free from harmful chemicals and additives, designed to promote healthy plumage and eggshell strength in chickens. Furthermore, its diverse mix of grains will satisfy their natural foraging instincts while helping them thrive within their flock environment.
Cost
Feed can be quite an investment; therefore it is crucial that you understand both what type of feed your flock requires and your budget before deciding upon an ideal feed solution for them.
Search for organic or non-GMO chicken feed free from antibiotics and harmful additives to promote strong bones, healthy eggs, and vibrant feather growth. Some chicken feed comes flavored with fruit or vegetables for extra appetization by your flock.
Keep your chicken feed cool and dry to maintain freshness and keep away from vermin who could become attracted to its aroma. Improper storage may lead to mold growth that causes disease; to protect its freshness use a metal bin with tight-fitting lid and store it away from direct sunlight as this may help stop its degradation.
