Hen Feeding Guide for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the proper eating plan at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The initial several months of the chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to aid immediate advancement and progress. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, together with the proper equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decrease protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports steady growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from 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 has about 16% protein and an increased degree of QH88 calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a fantastic complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of daily ingestion. Offer healthier choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Normally present clean up, new drinking water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Store feed correctly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at each lifestyle phase guarantees a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!