Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting healthier chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet at Every single phase of daily life is essential for development, egg manufacturing, and General very well-staying. Whether or not you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional needs will help assure a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st couple months of the chick’s everyday living are critical. Throughout this period, chicks need large-protein starter feed to assist swift progress and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, together with the suitable harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to be certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduce protein information, typically 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney problems in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady progress with no encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a better level of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg issues or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a wonderful health supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up no more than ten% of everyday intake. Present healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or QH88 moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Final Strategies
Often provide clear, fresh new water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail store feed correctly to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions depending on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!