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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Increasing wholesome chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg output, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional needs allows guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple 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, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Months 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 without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further QH88 calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Present balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Retailer feed appropriately to stay away from mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!