Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional wants can help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial couple weeks of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the ideal equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Prevent supplying treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduce protein content material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ QH88 Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 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 Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful nutritional supplement for your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.
Closing Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.
Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!