Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Blog Article

Raising nutritious chickens commences with appropriate diet. Feeding your flock the best diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements will help make sure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for little beaks to consume)

Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.

Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet to ensure well balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein content, normally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in youthful birds.

Intent: Supports steady growth devoid of encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium amounts can hurt acquiring organs.

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next 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.

Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Power-dense feed to assistance speedy fat get.

Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.

Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can QH88 result in leg concerns or heart complications.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a excellent complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of everyday intake. Give healthier alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.

Last Strategies
Often deliver thoroughly clean, contemporary water—it’s a lot more vital than feed.

Shop feed appropriately to avoid mold and pests.

Modify feed portions based upon flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Every single everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg production, and much less health concerns. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps some clucks of appreciation!