Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthful chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Every single phase of lifetime is essential for growth, egg output, and General perfectly-currently being. No matter if you're raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional demands allows ensure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Previous)
The initial number of weeks of a chick’s lifestyle are critical. During this era, chicks call for large-protein starter feed to assistance fast growth and development. Most starter feeds consist of 18–twenty% protein, along with the appropriate balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay clear of giving treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to make sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lower protein material, generally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular development without having encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as higher calcium levels can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to help swift pounds gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can result in leg problems or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a fantastic supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or QH88 fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Last Strategies
Usually supply clean up, fresh water—it’s far more vital than feed.
Store feed effectively to stop mould and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence stage guarantees a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less medical issues. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!