Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthful chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Each and every phase of existence is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their altering nutritional demands allows make sure a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The main few months of the chick’s everyday living are critical. For the duration of this period, chicks demand large-protein starter feed to help speedy development and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Stay away from supplying treats as well early—starter feed need to be their sole diet program to be certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decreased protein content, usually 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports steady growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance quick body weight attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats QH88 and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a excellent health supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they should make up not more than ten% of day-to-day ingestion. Offer you healthful solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Last Strategies
Often deliver clear, fresh new water—it’s far more vital than feed.
Keep feed thoroughly to stay away from mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual everyday living phase assures a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!