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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Increasing wholesome chickens starts with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at each stage of everyday living is essential for progress, egg production, and Over-all well-currently being. Whether or not you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, being familiar with their altering nutritional demands can help be certain a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Old)
The initial handful of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are critical. Through this era, chicks demand large-protein starter feed to assistance rapid advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (much easier for tiny beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Avoid providing treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to be certain well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lessen protein content, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports continual advancement without having encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as high calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist quick body weight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher QH88 (3 months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg difficulties or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a terrific nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Offer nutritious alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Ideas
Normally offer cleanse, fresh water—it’s far more vital than feed.
Retailer feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.
Adjust feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!