Hen Feeding Information for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing balanced chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make sure 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 Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)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, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your QH88 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 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 need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: 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
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Adjust feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!