Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Boosting wholesome chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and In general effectively-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet to ensure well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better level of calcium to help eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Present healthy QH88 choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats entire grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.
Final Tips
Usually provide clean, fresh h2o—it’s extra significant than feed.
Retail outlet feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Adjust feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every life phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!