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
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Increasing healthier chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the right diet at Each and every phase of daily life is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and overall very well-currently being. No matter if you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional desires helps make certain a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person for their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The main number of months of a chick’s everyday living are significant. Throughout this era, chicks involve significant-protein starter feed to guidance swift expansion and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for little beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay clear of giving treats also early—starter feed should be their sole diet program to guarantee well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, ordinarily 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports regular progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as higher calcium levels can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein QH88 and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens want crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding approach is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to help speedy weight gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a fantastic supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up no 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 full grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Often supply clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence stage makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!