Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising wholesome chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Each individual phase of daily life is essential for growth, egg output, and Over-all nicely-staying. No matter if you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their transforming nutritional wants helps assure a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first number of weeks of a chick’s daily life are critical. Through this era, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, together with the appropriate balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Prevent providing treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet regime to ensure balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduced protein written content, generally fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage building organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed QH88 consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for excess calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist swift pounds gain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or coronary heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a wonderful health supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Offer healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Final Recommendations
Usually present clean, clean h2o—it’s more crucial than feed.
Retail outlet feed properly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!