Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens commences with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Each individual stage of lifetime is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Regardless of whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional desires assists guarantee a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first handful of weeks of a chick’s life are crucial. For the duration of this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assistance immediate expansion and growth. Most starter feeds include eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the ideal stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for small beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Prevent giving treats far too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to make certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lower protein content material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Goal: Supports constant progress with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as high calcium concentrations can harm acquiring organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles above pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, QH88 your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to assist quick bodyweight gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats generally is a terrific complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they should make up no more than ten% of every day consumption. Provide balanced alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Last Recommendations
Always supply cleanse, fresh new h2o—it’s much more critical than feed.
Retail outlet feed properly to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every life phase makes certain a thriving flock, far better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!