Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting nutritious chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their changing nutritional wants helps assure a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a person to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The 1st few months of the chick’s life are crucial. For the duration of this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to guidance speedy development and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, along with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein content, normally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney problems in young birds.
Reason: Supports steady progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until they begin laying, as superior calcium levels can hurt acquiring organs.
three. QH88 Layer Feed (18+ Months / To start with Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a terrific supplement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of every day ingestion. Supply wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Final Recommendations
Often provide cleanse, new drinking water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed correctly to stop mould and pests.
Modify feed portions based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual existence stage assures a thriving flock, greater egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!