Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain 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 written content, commonly fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire 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 strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they QH88 need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s much more important than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!