Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting wholesome chickens starts with proper nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet regime at each phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional requirements can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the suitable balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady advancement without the need of encouraging premature 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 large calcium levels can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st 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 choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding QH88 can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to avoid mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!