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 healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at Each and every phase of lifestyle is essential for progress, egg production, and Total well-currently being. No matter whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their changing nutritional requirements will help assure a contented and effective flock. This rooster feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The initial couple of months of the chick’s existence are vital. In the course of this period, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to support speedy growth and development. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the ideal harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for little beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of offering treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet to be sure balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decrease protein written content, usually 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Reason: Supports continuous growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent dietary supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of each day consumption. Provide healthy options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains QH88 or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Ideas
Always give clean up, new drinking water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed properly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every existence stage ensures a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!