Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthy chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all nicely-remaining. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs aids guarantee a contented and effective flock. This hen feeding manual 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 Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)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 main couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant growth without 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 developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay QH88 their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious 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 full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed portions according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!