Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guideline for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens commences with good diet. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Every single stage of daily life is important for progress, egg production, and Total properly-being. Regardless of whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their changing nutritional demands can help make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a person for their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st couple months of a chick’s lifetime are important. During this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to guidance immediate advancement and development. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the appropriate balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for very small beaks to consume)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from giving treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to make certain balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decrease protein information, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports continuous expansion devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to support fast bodyweight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed meticulously—overfeeding can lead to leg troubles or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a fantastic complement to the QH88 chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Offer you healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Closing Suggestions
Normally offer cleanse, fresh new water—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to prevent mold and pests.
Modify feed portions depending on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Every single everyday living phase makes certain a flourishing flock, greater egg generation, and less health problems. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!