Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting nutritious chickens starts off with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Each and every phase of life is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round nicely-remaining. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional needs assists be certain a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The first couple of weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to support fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, along with the proper balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of supplying treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet to guarantee well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lessen protein articles, ordinarily 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney challenges in young birds.
Function: Supports continual growth with out encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains QH88 or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as significant calcium concentrations can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or coronary heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a terrific supplement for your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up not more than 10% of daily ingestion. Supply wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, give grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Strategies
Often provide clear, fresh drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail store feed effectively in order to avoid mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every lifetime phase makes sure a flourishing flock, better egg production, and fewer health issues. With the right diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!