Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting nutritious chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-being. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The very first several months of a chick’s existence are vital. Through this period, chicks involve superior-protein starter feed to assist quick advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in younger birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
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 pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg challenges or coronary heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific complement in your chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Present balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, offer QH88 grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Tips
Normally deliver clean up, fresh new drinking water—it’s far more critical than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!