Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens commences with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. No matter if you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to help quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for tiny beaks to consume)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to be certain balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ 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 an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a QH88 excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily intake. Offer wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Final Suggestions
Usually give clean up, fresh new h2o—it’s much more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Change feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every single lifetime stage guarantees a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!