Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Elevating balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Each and every phase of daily life is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and In general effectively-being. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of months of the chick’s life are vital. All through this era, chicks need substantial-protein starter feed to aid fast development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the correct stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for very small beaks to consume)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of offering treats too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Objective: Supports steady advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and a higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further 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 require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All QH88 Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday 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
Normally present cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s far more crucial than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions depending on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at each everyday living stage guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!