Hen Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for growth, egg output, and Total well-staying. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s everyday living are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the suitable 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 QH88 stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding may result in leg issues or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a terrific supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Supply healthful possibilities 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 complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional critical than feed.
Keep feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual lifetime stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!