Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthier chickens commences with right diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Each and every phase of existence is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and overall perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional demands allows make sure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The main few months of the chick’s lifetime are significant. In the course of this period, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to assist quick progress and growth. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, along with the correct equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet plan to guarantee well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lessen protein material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Reason: Supports continuous growth without having encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as higher calcium levels can hurt establishing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers require QH88 a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day ingestion. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Constantly provide cleanse, fresh water—it’s far more important than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed portions depending on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every single daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!