Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

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Raising healthy chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds have eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)

Health supplements: Grit is unwanted 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.

two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.

Goal: Supports regular advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.

Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.

Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Keep an QH88 eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart troubles.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Present balanced solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.

Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.

Shop feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.

Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg generation, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!