Hen Feeding Guide for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising nutritious chickens commences with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Each individual stage of life is important for growth, egg production, and Over-all nicely-staying. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their changing nutritional demands assists guarantee a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first couple of weeks of a chick’s daily life are important. During this era, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to guidance swift expansion and progress. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–20% protein, along with the proper balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to be sure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lower protein material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney problems in youthful birds.
Objective: Supports constant expansion with out encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as higher calcium ranges can harm creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / To start with Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher volume of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg challenges or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement for your chickens’ diet, but they need to make up no more than ten% of day by day consumption. Supply wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Normally supply clean, contemporary water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed effectively to stay away from mold and pests.
Alter feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at each existence stage assures a thriving flock, greater egg generation, and much less health issues. With the proper diet QH88 plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!