Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising nutritious chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for growth, egg output, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The primary handful of months of the chick’s everyday living are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast development and progress. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, along with the right harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of offering treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to be certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein written content, typically 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and the next level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to QH88 reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Check feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day ingestion. Supply healthy possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Remaining Recommendations
Generally offer clear, contemporary h2o—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every lifestyle stage makes certain a thriving flock, much better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!