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
Boosting healthy chickens starts with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the appropriate food plan at each phase of lifetime is essential for development, egg manufacturing, and General well-remaining. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their switching nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary several months of the chick’s life are crucial. For the duration of this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, together with the suitable harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed should be their sole eating plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lower protein articles, typically 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney issues in young birds.
Function: Supports continuous growth without having encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as superior calcium levels can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
After 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 an increased amount of calcium to help eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Electricity-dense feed to support quick pounds acquire.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a excellent health supplement on your QH88 chickens’ eating plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer healthy solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Normally give clean, contemporary water—it’s far more important than feed.
Keep feed correctly to stop mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions determined by flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Each and every life phase guarantees a thriving flock, greater egg generation, and less health problems. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!