Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing balanced chickens starts with correct nutrition. Feeding your flock the best eating plan at each phase of daily life is important for development, egg output, and General perfectly-currently being. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their modifying nutritional needs will help ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The first couple of weeks of the chick’s existence are vital. In the course of this era, chicks require high-protein starter feed to aid swift expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds have eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for little beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of offering treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein information, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in younger birds.
Function: Supports continual advancement without encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
After your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a better degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-option for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% QH88 protein.
Idea: Observe feed diligently—overfeeding may result in leg issues or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a excellent supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase assures a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!