There’s nothing quite like freshly poached eggs on a toasted slice of sourdough to start the day. Knowing the eggs are from your very own healthy and happy hens makes this brekkie even more satisfying!
Whether you’re a hobby farmer or you raise a small backyard flock, you know that good nutrition is the foundation for strong layers, healthy chicks, and happy birds. Our guide will help you choose the right feed, understand your flock’s changing needs, and keep your chooks in top condition all year round.
Matching Feed to Your Flock’s Needs
Your flock’s breed, age, and purpose all influence the type and amount of feed they need. Here’s a brief overview of the different chicken roles and diet recommendations:
- Layers: As these hens are laying eggs daily, they require a feed rich in nutrients to maintain health and produce consistent, quality eggs.
- Growers: Young chickens need balanced nutrition to develop strong bones, healthy feathers, and robust immune systems. Grower feed supports this growth stage until they transition to laying.
- Breeders: Hens raising chicks or producing fertile eggs need extra nutrients to support reproduction and chick development.
Each feed type is carefully formulated to meet specific needs, and adjusting your feed at the various growth stages is crucial to maintain your chickens’ condition.
Best Practices for Feeding Chickens
Aside from choosing the right feed for your flock, there are several feeding best practices to help your birds get the most out of their diet. For instance, it’s vital to adjust your feed according to the seasons.
In colder months, chickens need more energy to stay warm and maintain condition. In a different vein, chickens may need extra protein or specific supplements to remain comfortable during moulting periods or heatwaves.
Ensuring all birds have equal access to food is another essential practice for their continuous growth. If your flock has birds of various ages, consider feeding them separately to ensure they get the right type and quantity of food.
Finally, feeding your birds kitchen scraps can be a tasty treat, but it shouldn’t replace a balanced commercial feed. High quantities of low-nutrient foods will impact your flock’s growth and laying frequency.
Find the perfect feed at Coffs Harbour Produce, where we stock a wide range of Australian-made poultry feeds, including organic blends, medicated feeds, or specialty mixes tailored for ornamental breeds, heritage lines, or high-performance layers.
Contact our knowledgeable team today to help you match your flock with the right nutrition to keep them healthy and thriving year-round.
