Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing wholesome chickens commences with right diet. Feeding your flock the right diet at Each and every phase of life is important for expansion, egg creation, and In general nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional needs aids assure a cheerful and effective flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The 1st number of weeks of the chick’s daily life are vital. In the course of this era, chicks have to have substantial-protein starter feed to support immediate expansion and advancement. Most starter feeds include 18–twenty% protein, along with the appropriate stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make sure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decrease protein articles, commonly 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Purpose: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their QH88 initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens favor crumbles above pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers have to have a superior-protein, energy-dense feed to support rapid weight gain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed carefully—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a fantastic supplement towards your chickens’ diet regime, but they must make up no more than ten% of daily consumption. Give healthier options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Strategies
Usually give clean up, new drinking water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Retail store feed correctly to prevent mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at each life phase assures a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!