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
Increasing wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together 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.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in younger birds.
Objective: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium QH88 to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than ten% of daily intake. Offer wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!