Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing wholesome chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Just about every stage of life is essential for growth, egg output, and All round well-staying. No matter whether you're raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their altering nutritional desires helps make certain a cheerful and effective flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to help swift development and improvement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Keep away from offering treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to make certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein content, usually fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to QH88 layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electricity-dense feed to assistance quick pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Supply healthier selections 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, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.
Retailer feed correctly to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!