Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthful chickens commences with good diet. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Every single phase of existence is important for growth, egg generation, and Total well-staying. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires helps make certain a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st few months of the chick’s daily life are essential. Through this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assistance fast growth and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, along with the right equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent providing treats as well early—starter feed need to be their sole diet program to be certain 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 Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)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 bit reduced protein information, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Function: Supports constant progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can damage producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
After your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about 16% protein and an increased volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles above pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers require a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to support quick weight acquire.
Starter QH88 (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they should make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Give healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Closing Strategies
Usually supply clear, contemporary drinking water—it’s additional vital than feed.
Store feed properly to prevent mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every existence stage makes sure a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!