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
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Raising healthier chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the right diet plan at Just about every stage of lifestyle is important for progress, egg creation, and All round nicely-being. Regardless of whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional demands assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Aged)
The very first number of months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, along with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for little beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of giving treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduced protein content, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney concerns in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay away from layer feed until eventually they start laying, as substantial calcium stages can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement in your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up not more than 10% of daily ingestion. Offer you healthful alternatives like leafy greens, QH88 oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats entire grains or roughage, deliver grit to assist digestion.
Final Recommendations
Constantly provide cleanse, refreshing h2o—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to prevent mildew and pests.
Regulate feed parts depending on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each individual lifestyle stage assures a thriving flock, far better egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!