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
Boosting healthier chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at each phase of lifestyle is important for growth, egg generation, and General very well-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional demands assists guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day one to their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifetime are important. Throughout this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to help quick expansion and growth. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (simpler for little beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Prevent giving treats also early—starter feed should be their sole diet program to guarantee well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney QH88 problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can harm producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens like crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a substantial-protein, Electricity-dense feed to guidance swift pounds gain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg issues or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a great complement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they ought to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally give clear, refreshing water—it’s much more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, superior egg creation, and fewer medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!