Category: Chicken nutrition

Up to 40% of a hen's bone calcium can be mobilized for eggshell formation when dietary intake is insufficient, highlighting why knowing what is a good source of calcium for a chicken is vital for maintaining a healthy flock. Ensuring adequate calcium prevents health issues and improves eggshell quality.

According to poultry experts, a baby chick's starter feed typically contains a minimum of 18% protein to support rapid development in the first few weeks of life. This high-protein formula is a careful blend of energy-rich grains, essential vitamins, and minerals, all designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of growing birds.

Most commercial chicken feeds are formulated with an ideal amount of salt, typically containing between 0.4% and 0.6% of sodium chloride. However, many backyard flock owners wonder about the precise needs and potential dangers of over- or under-salting, asking, "how much salt does a chicken need?" and what factors influence this critical mineral balance.