Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Boosting wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Every single phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken 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 Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)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 daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can harm producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding may lead to leg difficulties or heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a excellent supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or QH88 fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats whole grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Last Recommendations
Usually present clean, new water—it’s a lot more critical than feed.
Retail outlet feed thoroughly to avoid mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every lifestyle phase makes sure a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!