Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthier chickens starts off with correct diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet plan at Every single stage of life is important for progress, egg creation, and Total properly-getting. Regardless of whether you might be increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their shifting nutritional requires will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one particular for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first number of months of a chick’s lifetime are crucial. All through this era, chicks need large-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, together with the suitable harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from giving treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduce protein information, usually 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Purpose: Supports regular progress without encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed until they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can hurt developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a better degree of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens like crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding strategy differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick pounds attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the 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 based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg output, and less health issues. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks QH88 of appreciation!