Hen Feeding Tutorial for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the right diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney problems in young birds.
Reason: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt 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 higher standard of calcium to assistance 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 in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw QH88 beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Always deliver clean up, fresh new drinking water—it’s far more critical than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.
Regulate feed portions depending on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures 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!