Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthier chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-being. Irrespective of whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st several weeks of the chick’s daily life are essential. In the course of this era, chicks involve significant-protein starter feed to support speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the appropriate harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from providing treats far too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as high calcium degrees can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help speedy fat acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be a terrific dietary supplement for your chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day consumption. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy QH88 greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Normally offer cleanse, contemporary h2o—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single daily life stage makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and much less medical issues. With the best eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!