Chicken Feeding Guide for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guide for every 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 Every stage of life is important for growth, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s existence are significant. Throughout this period, chicks have to have large-protein starter feed to assistance speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the proper balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (simpler for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay 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: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding QH88 can cause leg challenges or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be quite a good nutritional supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly present thoroughly clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s extra important than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, better egg output, and less medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!