Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper food plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Total nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with 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 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift growth 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 (simpler for small beaks to consume)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or QH88 pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium levels 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 sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about 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 high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to aid speedy body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a terrific supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Closing Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!