Chicken Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthy chickens begins with suitable diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet regime at Each individual phase of daily life is important for expansion, egg creation, and overall perfectly-staying. Whether you happen to be boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs aids ensure a happy and effective flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifetime are significant. Throughout this era, chicks call for higher-protein starter feed to support immediate progress and improvement. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, along with the suitable balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Prevent providing treats much too early—starter feed must be their sole diet to be sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decreased protein information, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in QH88 younger birds.
Reason: Supports continuous expansion devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for extra calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist swift weight gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg problems or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats might be a good health supplement to the chickens’ diet program, but they must make up no more than ten% of daily consumption. Offer nutritious alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Last Strategies
Often present thoroughly clean, contemporary h2o—it’s a lot more significant than feed.
Shop feed effectively in order to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every single lifetime stage assures a thriving flock, far better egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!