Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing nutritious chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their modifying nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The main handful of months of the chick’s everyday living are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for little beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, usually 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion without having encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they start laying, as superior calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift pounds attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a fantastic supplement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you nutritious selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, QH88 or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, fresh new h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Adjust feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!