Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating wholesome chickens begins with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the best diet plan at each stage of life is essential for advancement, egg creation, and In general properly-being. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional needs allows make certain a contented and effective flock. This rooster feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from day one for their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The first couple weeks of a chick’s lifetime are crucial. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% 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)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed really should be their sole diet to make certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports continual expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as substantial calcium amounts can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
When your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they must make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give nutritious alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, QH88 or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to aid digestion.
Closing Ideas
Always present thoroughly clean, contemporary water—it’s far more vital than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to prevent mildew and pests.
Regulate feed parts according to flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every single daily life stage assures a thriving flock, much better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!