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
Raising balanced chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. No matter if you're increasing 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 just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial couple months of a chick’s existence are important. During this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular advancement without the need of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a QH88 better level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg issues or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific complement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Retail outlet feed adequately to stop mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens properly at each everyday living phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!