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
Raising nutritious chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at Every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-being. Whether you happen to be boosting 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 for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of a chick’s lifestyle are crucial. All through this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to support swift advancement and progress. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt establishing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: QH88 Some hens choose crumbles around 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 bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!