Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Elevating healthier chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-getting. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requirements will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. All through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, along with the correct harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development with out encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should 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 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: QH88 Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Last Ideas
Constantly deliver clean, new water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!