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
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Over-all nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day consumption. Present balanced options like QH88 leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Remaining Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s a lot more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg generation, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!