Hen Feeding Information for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising nutritious chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single phase of daily life is important for development, egg production, and All round very well-becoming. Irrespective of whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their switching nutritional needs helps make certain a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The primary several months of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. All through this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to assistance speedy progress and growth. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, together with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of providing treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decreased protein information, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant development with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt acquiring organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for additional calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed QH88 (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding strategy differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance fast bodyweight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Check feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg issues or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a wonderful nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Last Strategies
Often deliver clear, fresh new water—it’s far more important than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to stay away from mold and pests.
Change feed parts according to flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every existence stage guarantees a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and less health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!