Hen Feeding Information for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing nutritious chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Each and every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Total perfectly-becoming. Irrespective of whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional wants can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial 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 lifestyle are essential. Throughout this period, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein content material, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of QH88 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 very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give 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 raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent dietary supplement on your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily intake. Provide wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Last Ideas
Often offer thoroughly clean, new water—it’s extra vital than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!