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

Blog Article

Raising nutritious chickens starts off with suitable nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Every single phase of existence is important for development, egg generation, and General properly-remaining. Whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their switching nutritional needs assists make certain a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from day 1 for their golden laying years.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The primary handful of weeks of the chick’s lifetime are important. Through this period, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assistance rapid advancement and growth. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, combined with the correct equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for very small beaks to consume)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.

Suggestion: Keep away from giving treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make certain balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lower protein content material, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.

Function: Supports constant development without having encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium levels can damage creating organs.

three. 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 includes about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to support eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for added calcium.

Suggestion: Some hens prefer crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to support rapid excess weight obtain.

Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.

Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or coronary heart troubles.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a wonderful health supplement in your chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up QH88 no more than 10% of every day consumption. Provide nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.

Closing Ideas
Normally supply cleanse, fresh water—it’s additional vital than feed.

Shop feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.

Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Each and every daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!