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 healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first number of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support speedy body QH88 weight gain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg issues or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence stage makes certain 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!