Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decreased protein information, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid QH88 kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean water—it’s much more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!