Chicken Feeding Information for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Information for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing balanced chickens begins with right diet. Feeding your flock the right diet plan at Each and every stage of life is important for progress, egg creation, and All round well-staying. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional requirements can help assure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The first couple of weeks of a chick’s life are critical. In the course of this period, chicks require significant-protein starter feed to assist quick development and improvement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, together with the ideal harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Prevent giving treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole food plan to guarantee well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lessen protein content material, generally fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / To start with 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 sixteen% protein and an increased degree of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens want crumbles over QH88 pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding strategy differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance quick body weight attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a great complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they should make up not more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to help digestion.
Last Strategies
Often present thoroughly clean, contemporary h2o—it’s a lot more significant than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stop mildew and pests.
Change feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual life phase makes certain a thriving flock, much better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!