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
Elevating balanced chickens begins with appropriate diet. Feeding your flock the best food plan at Every phase of lifetime is essential for development, egg manufacturing, and General well-being. Whether or not you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements can help make certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial several months of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, along with the correct equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein articles, ordinarily 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney challenges in young QH88 birds.
Objective: Supports constant advancement with out encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as superior calcium levels can hurt acquiring organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of each day consumption. Provide wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Recommendations
Usually deliver thoroughly clean, fresh new water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed correctly to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every lifestyle stage guarantees a thriving flock, far better egg generation, and less medical issues. With the ideal diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a few clucks of appreciation!