Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthy chickens begins with suitable diet. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at each phase of everyday living is important for progress, egg creation, and All round nicely-being. No matter whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional wants allows guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of weeks of a chick’s existence are critical. During this era, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to assist swift expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the proper stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent providing treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole eating plan to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little reduce protein written content, normally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney troubles in younger birds.
Purpose: Supports regular QH88 expansion without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed until they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a great complement for your chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than ten% of each day consumption. Provide wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to aid digestion.
Closing Suggestions
Normally supply cleanse, fresh water—it’s far more important than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to avoid mold and pests.
Modify feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less health concerns. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!