Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual phase of existence is essential for advancement, egg generation, and All round nicely-being. Regardless of whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional wants helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The 1st couple months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this era, chicks need large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds include 18–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole eating plan to make certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports steady growth without having encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Avoid layer feed till they start laying, as high calcium ranges can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a great supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day ingestion. Offer you wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: QH88 If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Closing Ideas
Normally supply clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Retail store feed correctly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual life phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less health concerns. With the ideal diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!