Hen Feeding Guide for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting healthful chickens commences with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet plan at Every single phase of lifetime is essential for development, egg production, and In general very well-currently being. Irrespective of whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their altering nutritional desires assists assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The first couple of months of the chick’s daily life are important. All through this era, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to help speedy development and improvement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to make sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein content material, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Objective: Supports regular growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Strength-dense feed to support speedy body weight gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Monitor feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg issues or heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great health supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up no more than 10% of daily consumption. Offer you wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked QH88 rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Generally supply clean up, refreshing h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to prevent mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Every daily life phase makes certain a flourishing flock, improved egg production, and much less health issues. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!