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 balanced chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming 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 Aged)
The initial several weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein content, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed QH88 eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support swift pounds attain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a wonderful health supplement to the chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than 10% of daily ingestion. Present healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Normally supply clean up, refreshing h2o—it’s much more significant than feed.
Shop feed adequately to stay away from mold and pests.
Modify feed portions determined by flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each individual life phase ensures a flourishing flock, better egg production, and much less health issues. With the proper diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!