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
Increasing balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Total nicely-remaining. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide 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 couple weeks of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development with no encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This QH88 specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for further calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support fast bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a good nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of everyday ingestion. Present healthful solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Generally provide clear, fresh new water—it’s far more important than feed.
Keep feed properly to prevent mold and pests.
Alter feed parts based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each individual life phase makes certain a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health problems. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!