Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising balanced chickens starts with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every stage of life is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-currently being. No matter whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional needs will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The very first couple of months of the chick’s life are crucial. In the course of this period, chicks require high-protein starter feed to aid immediate growth and enhancement. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from supplying treats also early—starter feed should be their sole food plan to make certain well balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decrease protein written content, typically 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney problems in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports continuous advancement without encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as high calcium levels can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist swift weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than 10% of everyday intake. Give nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use QH88 grit: If the flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Final Recommendations
Often deliver clear, fresh water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mould and pests.
Regulate feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg production, and much less health concerns. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!