Chicken Feeding Guideline for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guideline for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every single phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional requires assists guarantee a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (simpler for tiny beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from providing treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
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 challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s a lot more essential than feed.
Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.
Change feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, QH88 far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!