Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating nutritious chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best eating plan at Every single phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and In general effectively-staying. No matter whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional desires allows make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from day one for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first handful of weeks of the chick’s lifetime are important. Throughout this era, chicks involve significant-protein starter feed to guidance quick expansion and growth. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, together with the right equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Avoid offering treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet regime to make sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduce protein information, typically 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney challenges in young birds.
Goal: Supports constant expansion without encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or QH88 treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed right until they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for excess calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to help swift weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a great complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Generally supply clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s much more significant than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at each lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!