Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthful chickens commences with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every single stage of life is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and General well-being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires assists make sure a cheerful and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st couple months of a chick’s lifestyle are essential. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium levels can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast fat attain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a good nutritional supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock QH88 eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally give clear, clean water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!