Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting wholesome chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires aids guarantee a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks need high-protein starter feed to aid rapid advancement and development. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.
Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.
Change QH88 feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!