Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthier chickens commences with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every phase of existence is important for growth, egg generation, and General perfectly-getting. No matter whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their modifying nutritional demands allows ensure a contented and successful flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st several weeks of the chick’s everyday living are significant. Throughout this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, together with the ideal stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from giving treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decrease protein written content, normally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in young birds.
Goal: Supports regular progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed until eventually they start laying, as large calcium amounts can harm creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a better degree of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens like 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 strategy is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg concerns or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer healthy options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Closing Ideas
Normally give clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Shop feed adequately to prevent mold and pests.
Alter feed portions based upon QH88 flock size and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual lifestyle stage guarantees a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer health issues. With the proper diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!