Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s existence are significant. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance speedy fat achieve.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be quite a excellent supplement on your chickens’ diet plan, but they ought to make up not more than ten% of everyday consumption. Offer healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats whole grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Last Guidelines
Normally supply cleanse, new water—it’s a lot more significant than feed.
Store feed correctly to prevent mold and pests.
Modify feed portions based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every single daily life stage guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with QH88 eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!