Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting healthy chickens starts with good diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-being. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional needs aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main few months of a chick’s lifestyle are significant. Through this period, chicks have to have higher-protein starter feed to support rapid advancement and progress. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly reduce protein information, commonly 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to QH88 stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
Once your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply 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 differs. Broilers require a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick weight acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a good health supplement to the chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than 10% of daily intake. Provide nutritious choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Closing Guidelines
Constantly give clean up, fresh drinking water—it’s extra essential than feed.
Retail store feed properly to prevent mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Each individual life phase assures a thriving flock, far better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!