Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting healthy chickens starts with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Total effectively-remaining. No matter if you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional needs will help ensure a happy and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The primary couple months of the chick’s everyday living are important. During this era, chicks involve superior-protein starter feed to guidance speedy development and advancement. Most starter feeds have 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make certain well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lessen protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports constant advancement without having encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: QH88 Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium concentrations can harm creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast body weight gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed very carefully—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent dietary supplement in your chickens’ diet, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, supply grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Ideas
Normally supply cleanse, fresh h2o—it’s more crucial than feed.
Keep feed adequately to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Every single lifetime stage guarantees a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health problems. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!