Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to guarantee balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt establishing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Offer healthy choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or QH88 fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats entire grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.
Final Tips
Always provide clean, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual lifetime stage makes sure a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and less health problems. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!