Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing nutritious chickens starts off with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Every single stage of life is important for progress, egg production, and In general very well-getting. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional requirements can help make certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st couple of weeks of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this era, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assist quick expansion and progress. Most starter feeds consist of 18–20% protein, together with the ideal harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to guarantee balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein articles, typically 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in younger birds.
Reason: Supports steady expansion without encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Avoid layer feed till they begin laying, as high calcium levels can hurt acquiring organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
After your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up no more than ten% of everyday intake. Offer balanced solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to help digestion.
Last Tips
Generally offer clean up, refreshing h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to prevent mold and pests.
Change feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every daily life stage makes certain a thriving flock, greater egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate QH88 food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!