Feeding guide for broiler chickens
Table of Contents
Feeding Guide for Broiler Chickens: A Complete Guide for Healthy Growth and Profit
Broiler chickens are bred specifically for meat production, and proper feeding plays a vital role in their growth, health, and final market weight. If you’re planning to raise broilers for commercial or small-scale farming, understanding their feeding requirements at each stage of life is key to success. In this post, we’ll take a detailed look at the feeding guide for broiler chickens from day-old chicks to market-ready birds, including feed types, nutrition, tips, and mistakes to avoid.
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| Healthy broiler chickens feeding together under good management. |
Why Broiler Chicken Feeding Matters
Feeding broiler chickens the right way helps them grow faster, build muscle, and stay healthy. Feed accounts for 60–70% of production cost in broiler farming. That means any mistake in feed formulation or feeding schedule could lead to slow growth, diseases, or even loss.
With the correct feeding guide, broilers can reach market weight (about 2–2.5 kg) in just 6 to 8 weeks, depending on breed and management. Let's break down their feeding into different stages.
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| Proper feeding is the foundation of fast growth and profitability in broiler farming. |
1. Brooding Stage (Day 1 to 14)
Feed Type: Broiler Starter Feed
Protein Content: 21–23%
Energy Level: 2900–3000 kcal/kg
Newly hatched chicks require special care. During the first two weeks, chicks need a high-protein starter feed that supports the rapid development of organs, bones, and muscles. The feed should be crumbled or mashed to help chicks eat easily.
Key tips:
- Always provide clean, fresh water.
- Keep the feed dry and clean to avoid mold.
- Add multivitamins in water during the first 5 days.
- Use a brooder with a stable temperature (around 32–35°C).
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| Brooding chicks need starter feed and warmth for healthy early growth. |
Average feed consumption per chick in 2 weeks: 500–600 grams.
2. Growing Stage (Day 15 to 28)
Feed Type: Broiler Grower Feed
Protein Content: 19–21%
Energy Level: 3000–3100 kcal/kg
At this stage, the birds have started gaining weight rapidly. You can reduce protein slightly while increasing energy in the feed to encourage muscle development and fat deposition.
Switch from starter to grower feed gradually over 1–2 days to avoid stress. The feed can now be given in pellet form for better consumption and digestion.
Key tips:
- Maintain clean feeding equipment.
- Reduce lighting hours slightly to control feed intake and avoid overeating.
- Monitor birds for uniform growth and adjust feeding if necessary.
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| Switch to grower pellets as birds enter the active growth phase. |
Average feed consumption per bird during this stage: 1.2–1.5 kg.
3. Finishing Stage (Day 29 to Market Age)
Feed Type: Broiler Finisher Feed
Protein Content: 17–19%
Energy Level: 3100–3200 kcal/kg
This is the last stage before selling or slaughter. Birds now require more energy and slightly less protein. The goal is to maximize weight gain, especially breast meat, while maintaining feed efficiency.
Finisher feed is usually given in pellet form. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is most important at this stage; that is, how much feed is needed for 1 kg of weight gain. Aim for an FCR of 1.5 to 1.8.
Key tips:
- Avoid feed wastage by adjusting feeders.
- Don't overfeed; excess fat can reduce meat quality.
- Provide cool water to encourage feed intake in hot weather.
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| Finisher feed helps broilers gain weight quickly before market. |
Average feed consumption per bird in this stage: 1.8–2.2 kg.
Total Feed Consumption (Per Bird)
Stage | Feed Type | Days | Average Feed (g/bird)
Starter | Crumble/Mash | 1–14 | 500–600 gGrower | Pellet | 15–28 | 1.2–1.5 kgFinisher | Pellet | 29–42 | 1.8–2.2 kgTotal | 6 weeks | 3.5–4.2 kg
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| consumption by broiler chickens at each stage." |
Additional Feeding Tips
1. Use Quality Commercial FeedIf you're not formulating your own feed, always buy from trusted brands. Look for feed with the right balance of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.2. Feed Formulation (for Homemade Feed)If you want to mix your own feed, consult a nutritionist or use a tested formula. Include maize, soybean meal, fishmeal, vitamin premix, and dicalcium phosphate.3. Provide Grit and Gizzard StonesEspecially when feeding homemade feed, small stones help digestion by assisting the gizzard in grinding food.4. Avoid Wet or Moldy FeedThis can lead to infections like coccidiosis and aflatoxicosis. Always store feed in a dry, cool place.5. Maintain Clean Water at All TimesDirty water affects feed intake and increases disease risk. Change water regularly and disinfect the drinkers.6. Lighting and Feeding TimeLight influences how often birds eat. Use artificial lighting if necessary to maintain 18–22 hours of light daily.
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| Follow these tips to keep your broilers growing strong and healthy. |
Mistakes to Avoid in Broiler Feeding
- Overfeeding: Leads to obesity, leg problems, and poor meat quality.
- Inconsistent feeding times: Causes stress and uneven growth.
- Wrong feed formulation: May result in slow growth or nutrient deficiencies.
- Feeding one type of feed throughout: Each stage has different needs. Starter feed is not enough for finishers.
- Ignoring water hygiene: Bad water can ruin even the best feed.
Conclusion
Raising broiler chickens can be very rewarding when done right. Feeding plays the most important role in the performance and profitability of your poultry farm. Whether you’re raising 100 or 10,000 birds, following a proper feeding guide for broiler chickens will help you get the best results. Always provide quality feed, clean water, and a safe environment, and your broilers will grow fast, healthy, and ready for market in record time.
With discipline and consistency in feeding management, you can achieve excellent weight gain and maximize profits in your broiler chicken business.
Bonus Tip: Feeding Schedule Sample
Time - Activity
6 AM First feeding
9 AM Water change + Check health
12 PM Second feeding
3 PM Water refill
6 PM Third feeding
9 PM Final check before lights out
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| A sample daily feeding schedule for optimal broiler performance. |