Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising wholesome chickens starts with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the best diet program at each stage of lifetime is important for development, egg output, and General effectively-staying. No matter whether you might be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their transforming nutritional demands assists assure a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The first couple of weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid rapid development and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, together with the ideal equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of offering treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet plan to ensure balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduced protein written content, normally fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as superior calcium amounts can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium QH88 to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers require a large-protein, Vitality-dense feed to help speedy body weight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a great supplement towards your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up no more than ten% of everyday consumption. Supply nutritious selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Generally give clean, clean h2o—it’s more crucial than feed.
Retail outlet feed thoroughly to avoid mould and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at each lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!