Hen Feeding Information for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and overall properly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The initial several months of a chick’s existence are important. In the course of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift growth and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small 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 nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein articles, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit QH88 in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can harm producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than 10% of daily intake. Provide healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!