Hen Feeding Guide for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthful chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires helps assure 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 primary few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this era, chicks call for higher-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the ideal equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth 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 high calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the QH88 next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be a terrific complement in your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence stage makes certain 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!