Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens starts off with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional requires assists make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s lifestyle are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Keep track of feed meticulously—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats generally is a terrific supplement in your chickens’ diet program, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your QH88 flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Last Ideas
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional critical than feed.
Keep feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Regulate feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health issues. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!