Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating nutritious chickens begins with correct diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Total nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple 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 consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Avoid 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 bit decreased protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance speedy fat get.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a wonderful dietary supplement in your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than ten% of everyday intake. Present wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Strategies
Constantly deliver clean, clean water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Store feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at QH88 Every single daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less health issues. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!