Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing balanced chickens starts with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for development, egg manufacturing, and General well-remaining. Regardless of whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The primary couple months of a chick’s daily life are important. During this era, chicks involve high-protein starter feed to support quick progress and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–20% protein, along with the right equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Intent: Supports continuous growth without having encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as high calcium levels can hurt producing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Keep track of QH88 feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up not more than 10% of everyday intake. Give nutritious alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always present clean, contemporary water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mold and pests.
Alter feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each individual lifestyle stage ensures a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health problems. With the best eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!