Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing nutritious chickens starts off with good diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Every single phase of existence is important for development, egg output, and Total perfectly-becoming. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their shifting nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first handful of weeks of the chick’s life are vital. Through this era, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to guidance swift expansion and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Stay away from providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to make certain well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein written content, usually 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports regular development without having encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Steer clear of layer feed right up until they start laying, as large calcium ranges can harm creating organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / 1st Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell QH88 formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-option for additional calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast body weight attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or coronary heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a terrific nutritional supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than 10% of each day consumption. Offer healthier choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Last Strategies
Always supply cleanse, fresh new h2o—it’s more essential than feed.
Keep feed adequately to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts based on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence phase makes sure a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and much less health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!