Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing nutritious chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every phase of existence is important for development, egg output, and All round perfectly-currently being. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements aids assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st couple months of a chick’s daily life are essential. All through this era, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to assist quick development and development. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, along with the correct equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of providing treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet plan to guarantee balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lessen protein content, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in young birds.
Purpose: Supports regular development without having encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right until they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and an increased amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they must make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Present healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats entire grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Last Ideas
Normally QH88 offer clear, contemporary h2o—it’s extra essential than feed.
Keep feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg generation, and less health problems. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!