Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising balanced chickens starts off with right diet. 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 raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and effective 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 Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)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 first handful of months of the chick’s life are crucial. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Prevent supplying treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lower protein content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. QH88 Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Final Tips
Always provide clean up, fresh new drinking water—it’s far more crucial than feed.
Retailer feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.
Change feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!