Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the ideal diet at Every phase of existence is essential for progress, egg creation, and overall effectively-being. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their switching nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple months of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to support fast development and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Prevent giving treats far too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet regime to be certain well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lessen protein material, generally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed until eventually they begin laying, as higher calcium stages can damage producing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
After your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid speedy body weight attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and QH88 Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement to your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than 10% of day by day consumption. Supply wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to help digestion.
Last Strategies
Constantly provide cleanse, new drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mould and pests.
Modify feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every daily life phase makes certain a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and much less health concerns. With the ideal diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!