Hen Feeding Manual for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthful chickens commences with correct nutrition. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet at Every phase of daily life is important for advancement, egg output, and In general perfectly-remaining. Regardless of whether you might be increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires allows be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Outdated)
The 1st handful of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to aid quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from giving treats far too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to make sure balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lower protein information, normally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent QH88 kidney concerns in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports constant expansion without encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as high calcium ranges can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / To start with Egg)
Once your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and an increased standard of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Observe feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg challenges or coronary heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a excellent complement to your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day consumption. Offer healthier choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Remaining Tips
Always give thoroughly clean, clean water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Retail outlet feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every existence phase ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!