Chicken Feeding Information for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Information for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Each individual phase of existence is important for expansion, egg creation, and overall perfectly-getting. Whether you are elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their shifting nutritional desires allows make sure a happy and productive flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The very first handful of weeks of a chick’s existence are essential. All through this era, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to assistance fast development and advancement. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, along with the ideal harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Avoid providing treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet to be sure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lessen protein content material, generally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Function: Supports continual expansion without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right until they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for additional calcium.
Tip: Some hens want 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 require a substantial-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy bodyweight achieve.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or coronary heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a terrific nutritional supplement on your chickens’ diet program, but they should make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Present healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, QH88 cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Normally supply clean up, clean h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.
Regulate feed portions depending on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every lifetime phase makes sure a flourishing flock, better egg manufacturing, and fewer health problems. With the correct diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!