Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Elevating healthier chickens starts with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet at Each and every phase of lifetime is essential for growth, egg output, and Over-all properly-becoming. Regardless of whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands assists assure a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The primary few months of the chick’s everyday living are significant. During this era, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to assistance rapid advancement and growth. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, along with the ideal harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of providing treats way too early—starter feed should be their sole diet program to be sure well balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decreased protein information, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of QH88 layer feed until they begin laying, as superior calcium levels can hurt producing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher volume of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles over pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance quick body weight attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart difficulties.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a excellent complement to your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Offer you healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always give clean up, refreshing drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stop mildew and pests.
Regulate feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at each lifestyle stage ensures a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!