Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthier chickens commences with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at Each individual phase of lifetime is essential for progress, egg creation, and All round nicely-being. Whether or not you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main handful of weeks of a chick’s daily life are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to aid quick expansion and progress. Most starter feeds include 18–twenty% protein, together with the ideal harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent supplying treats also early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to make certain well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed QH88 to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until they start laying, as higher calcium levels can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for further calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers need a large-protein, Strength-dense feed to guidance immediate weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a great nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of daily consumption. Offer nutritious alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Final Guidelines
Normally offer clear, fresh water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Store feed effectively to stop mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!