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
Boosting healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for advancement, egg creation, and General perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–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)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is pointless 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 eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decreased 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 amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Idea: 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 method is different. Broilers require a large-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid speedy fat obtain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart difficulties.
five. Treats and Scraps (All QH88 Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a excellent nutritional supplement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of daily consumption. Present healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing drinking water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stop mould and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health issues. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!