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
Increasing wholesome chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of lifetime is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to make sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as high calcium degrees can damage developing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with 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 QH88 formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess 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 superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 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 dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present clear, clean water—it’s much more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, superior egg creation, and fewer medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!