Hen Feeding Guide for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting wholesome chickens begins with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of existence is important for growth, egg creation, and General very well-becoming. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their changing nutritional wants will help be certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The primary several months of a chick’s existence are essential. All through this era, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to aid swift expansion and progress. Most starter feeds consist of 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay clear of providing treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to be sure well balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lower protein material, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in younger birds.
Function: Supports constant progress without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as superior calcium degrees can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed QH88 (18+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and a higher volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist swift weight acquire.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a fantastic complement for your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Present wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Final Recommendations
Usually give clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail outlet feed properly to prevent mildew and pests.
Change feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every lifestyle phase makes certain a flourishing flock, far better egg creation, and less health problems. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!