Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthful chickens starts off with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Just about every stage of life is important for advancement, egg generation, and All round nicely-being. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of a chick’s daily life are essential. For the duration of this period, chicks call for large-protein starter feed to assistance fast advancement and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the appropriate balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (simpler for little beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein articles, typically 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in young birds.
Reason: Supports steady development without encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as high calcium levels can hurt developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months QH88 / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and a better standard of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a large-protein, Strength-dense feed to guidance immediate pounds gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a fantastic complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of daily consumption. Provide nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats whole grains or roughage, supply grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Suggestions
Generally provide clear, contemporary h2o—it’s much more critical than feed.
Retail store feed correctly to prevent mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every lifestyle stage ensures a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!