Chicken Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising nutritious chickens starts off with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet at each phase of lifestyle is important for expansion, egg generation, and All round well-staying. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to help swift advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–20% protein, along with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to ensure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Function: Supports steady growth without the need of encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as high calcium concentrations can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and a better standard of calcium to aid eggshell development.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for added calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens desire crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to support speedy body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg challenges or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a wonderful health supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of each day consumption. Provide wholesome options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Closing Ideas
Always present thoroughly clean, fresh new water—it’s additional important than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to stay away from mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at each everyday living phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, QH88 companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!