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
Raising balanced chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of daily life is important for growth, egg output, and All round perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their switching nutritional desires allows make sure a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The main number of weeks of a chick’s life are important. All through this period, chicks need superior-protein starter feed to guidance immediate expansion and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–twenty% protein, combined with the ideal equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay clear of giving treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet to be sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduced protein articles, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular development without having encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and an increased amount of calcium to aid eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for added calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance immediate weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent health supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but QH88 they ought to make up no more than 10% of daily consumption. Provide balanced selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Final Recommendations
Usually present clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s additional important than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stop mould and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every lifetime stage assures a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the proper diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!