Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Total nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional requires helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Previous)
The initial number of weeks of a chick’s life are critical. Throughout this era, chicks have to have substantial-protein starter feed to help fast advancement and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole diet program to make sure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decrease protein information, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in younger birds.
Goal: Supports constant progress with no encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Avoid layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a QH88 substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Last Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s extra vital than feed.
Retail outlet feed adequately to stop mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!