Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthier chickens commences with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at each stage of life is essential for progress, egg production, and Total well-currently being. Regardless of whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their altering nutritional requirements assists make sure a happy and successful flock. This rooster feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one particular to their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Old)
The first several weeks of the chick’s existence are critical. During this period, chicks need superior-protein starter feed to assist rapid expansion and advancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–twenty% protein, together with the proper equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Avoid providing treats far too early—starter feed needs to be their sole food plan to make sure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly reduced protein information, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to QH88 stop kidney concerns in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens favor crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist speedy bodyweight acquire.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Keep track of feed carefully—overfeeding may lead to leg difficulties or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a excellent dietary supplement for your chickens’ diet, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of day by day consumption. Offer you 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, provide grit to help digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver clean up, fresh new drinking water—it’s far more critical than feed.
Keep feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.
Regulate feed parts determined by flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens properly at each life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!