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 commences with suitable nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a person for their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The primary several weeks of a chick’s lifestyle are vital. For the duration of this period, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to assist quick progress and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Prevent offering treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in younger birds.
Function: Supports continuous growth with no encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as significant calcium concentrations can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
After your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and an increased standard of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist fast bodyweight get.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a good supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats entire grains QH88 or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always give clean, clean h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to prevent mold and pests.
Alter feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual life phase ensures a flourishing flock, better egg manufacturing, and fewer health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!