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
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Boosting healthier chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at each phase of existence is essential for advancement, egg output, and Over-all nicely-becoming. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their altering nutritional requires will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The very first several months of the chick’s existence are vital. Through this period, chicks require significant-protein starter feed to guidance quick development and enhancement. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–20% protein, together with the appropriate stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for little beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats far too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet program to be certain balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduced protein content material, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports regular development devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as high calcium degrees can damage building organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
Once your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater level of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a high-protein, energy-dense feed to support rapid excess weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed carefully—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a fantastic supplement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Final Guidelines
Always give clean up, fresh water—it’s far more vital than feed.
Store feed effectively in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Alter feed parts based on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every lifetime stage ensures a QH88 flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and fewer health concerns. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!