Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthier chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet at Each individual phase of life is important for development, egg output, and All round well-currently being. No matter whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional needs will help be certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main few weeks of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to support rapid growth and development. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, together with the proper balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of providing treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet plan to guarantee well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decrease protein content, normally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports continual expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm developing 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 is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to help eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-option for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to guidance immediate excess weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg problems or coronary heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a great complement towards your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up no more than ten% of every day ingestion. Provide nutritious choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Last QH88 Recommendations
Usually present clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s extra important than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts based on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each individual lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the proper diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!