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 balanced chickens begins with right diet. Feeding your flock the right diet at Every phase of existence is important for expansion, egg generation, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional requirements can help make sure a contented and successful flock. This rooster feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The main few months of a chick’s lifestyle are crucial. In the course of this period, chicks involve significant-protein starter feed to assist speedy development and development. Most starter feeds consist of 18–twenty% protein, along with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of offering treats much too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make sure balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduce protein material, generally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports continual progress with no encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as significant calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. QH88 Broilers need a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to assist swift pounds attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats is usually a fantastic complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by day intake. Give healthier options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Suggestions
Generally provide thoroughly clean, clean h2o—it’s extra essential than feed.
Retailer feed adequately in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at each life phase assures a thriving flock, much better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!