Hen Feeding Guide for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the proper diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift growth and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing 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 eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% QH88 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 fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Normally present cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.
Shop feed properly to avoid mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based 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 appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!