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
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Elevating healthier chickens commences with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet at Every single stage of lifestyle is important for advancement, egg production, and General nicely-becoming. Regardless of whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their transforming nutritional wants helps assure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one particular for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The very first number of months of the chick’s life are essential. During this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to support fast progress and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–20% protein, combined with the proper stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of supplying treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet program to make certain well balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decrease protein content material, ordinarily 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in younger birds.
Intent: Supports regular progress without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as superior calcium ranges can hurt acquiring organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and the next standard of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for additional calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid speedy pounds obtain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher QH88 (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a good supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up not more than 10% of every day ingestion. Present healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Usually deliver clear, fresh water—it’s additional crucial than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every lifestyle stage guarantees a thriving flock, far better egg creation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!