Chicken Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Raising healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single phase of daily life is important for growth, egg generation, and General very well-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, being familiar with their altering nutritional desires helps ensure a happy and productive flock. This hen feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Previous)
The initial number of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are significant. During this era, chicks demand higher-protein starter feed to support immediate expansion and advancement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the right harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (simpler for little beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Suggestion: Keep away from providing treats as well early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein information, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in younger birds.
Reason: Supports constant progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Keep away from layer feed right until they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / 1st Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a greater level of calcium to help eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight achieve.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding may lead to leg challenges or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a good nutritional supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you nutritious options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats complete grains or roughage, offer grit to help digestion.
Final Guidelines
Always give clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail outlet feed correctly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Adjust feed portions depending on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at QH88 Every lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and less medical issues. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!