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
Elevating healthy chickens starts with correct nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper diet regime at Each individual stage of existence is important for expansion, egg generation, and All round nicely-remaining. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their modifying nutritional desires allows make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Aged)
The main couple months of the chick’s lifetime are essential. Through this period, chicks demand large-protein starter feed to help fast advancement and progress. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, along with the right equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to make certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduced protein information, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant development with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats full grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions depending on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens QH88 correctly at each everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!