Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthier chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of weeks of a chick’s everyday living are significant. Through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for very small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice QH88 your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be quite a good supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver clean up, fresh new drinking water—it’s far more critical than feed.
Keep feed effectively in order to avoid mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every life phase assures a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!