Hen Feeding Information for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens commences with appropriate diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every single stage of life is essential for growth, egg generation, and General perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional demands allows guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial couple months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance speedy development and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for additional calcium.
Idea: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, 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 QH88 appreciation!