Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating nutritious chickens starts with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Just about every stage of lifestyle is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and General well-remaining. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their changing nutritional demands allows make certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The initial number of months of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to guidance swift expansion and progress. Most starter feeds consist of 18–20% protein, together with the suitable harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole eating plan to make certain well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady development with no encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Avoid layer feed till they start laying, as high calcium levels can hurt acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a wonderful health supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give nutritious selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Usually present thoroughly clean, fresh water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mold and pests.
Alter feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every single lifetime phase makes sure a flourishing flock, better egg production, and fewer health issues. With QH88 the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!