Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens commences with right diet. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every phase of lifetime is essential for growth, egg output, and Over-all properly-remaining. Whether or not you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs assists guarantee a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying several years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The 1st few months of the chick’s life are vital. Through this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to assist swift expansion and progress. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, along with the right harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of offering treats also early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to make sure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in young birds.
Goal: Supports continual advancement with out encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as superior calcium degrees can damage building organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / To start with Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for QH88 added calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help quick pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or coronary heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a great supplement towards your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Supply healthy selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Last Strategies
Constantly deliver clear, fresh new water—it’s much more crucial than feed.
Keep feed thoroughly to avoid mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every single lifetime stage guarantees a flourishing flock, improved egg generation, and less health issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!