Hen Feeding Guide for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires aids make certain a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first number of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt producing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to support eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast QH88 body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day intake. Offer healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking 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 Every single daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, 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!