Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting wholesome chickens starts with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The initial several months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein content material, typically fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm acquiring 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 is made up of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance speedy bodyweight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good nutritional supplement in your chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than 10% of day by day consumption. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Always supply cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to avoid mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts dependant on flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at QH88 Each individual everyday living phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health problems. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!