Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising nutritious chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general effectively-being. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. In the course of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein written content, ordinarily 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer QH88 feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Reason: Supports continuous expansion with out encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can harm producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens want crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart difficulties.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a excellent complement to your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats complete grains or roughage, supply grit to assist digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.
Keep feed appropriately in order to avoid mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts depending on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!