Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing nutritious chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at Every phase of existence is important for development, egg production, and Total well-remaining. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional demands can help make sure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The first couple of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks involve superior-protein starter feed to aid quick growth and enhancement. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, combined with the correct harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to consume)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from offering treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole eating plan to ensure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly reduce protein material, generally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports continuous expansion devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for further calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens want crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers require a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to guidance immediate weight acquire.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 QH88 months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a good nutritional supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than 10% of every day ingestion. Offer you wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, offer grit to help digestion.
Closing Guidelines
Often offer thoroughly clean, fresh drinking water—it’s much more vital than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed parts depending on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every existence stage assures a thriving flock, much better egg production, and much less health concerns. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!