Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens starts off with correct nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet regime at Each individual phase of daily life is essential for development, egg production, and In general perfectly-remaining. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The initial couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing treats also early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to guarantee well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney problems in young birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains 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 further calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the QH88 flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, clean water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!