Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthful chickens begins with good diet. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Each and every phase of existence is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. Irrespective of whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowing their switching nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Previous)
The primary handful of months of the chick’s everyday living are critical. Throughout this era, chicks require substantial-protein starter feed to guidance swift progress and improvement. Most starter feeds comprise 18–20% protein, together with the suitable equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to ensure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decrease protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Objective: Supports regular advancement with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a superior-protein, energy-dense QH88 feed to assist immediate excess weight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or heart difficulties.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Generally present clear, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Shop feed properly to avoid mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg production, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!