Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthy chickens starts with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-getting. Irrespective of whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Old)
The primary few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are essential. Throughout this era, chicks call for large-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / To start with Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time QH88 to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed thoroughly—overfeeding can cause leg challenges or coronary heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a excellent health supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. 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 help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.
Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual everyday living stage guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!