Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Raising healthier chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet program at Each and every phase of daily life is essential for expansion, egg manufacturing, and In general properly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single 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 Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)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 guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of providing treats way too early—starter feed must be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen 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 forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion without having encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with 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 assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a fantastic dietary supplement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Present balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver clean QH88 up, contemporary drinking water—it’s far more crucial than feed.
Retailer feed correctly to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and much less health problems. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!