Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising wholesome chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the best diet regime at Every phase of daily life is important for development, egg output, and Over-all properly-currently being. No matter whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension their altering nutritional demands allows make sure a happy and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular to their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The 1st few months of the chick’s daily life are important. During this era, chicks demand large-protein starter feed to help fast growth and enhancement. Most starter feeds consist of 18–twenty% protein, along with the ideal stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Stay away from supplying treats too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet plan to be sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein content material, generally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney concerns in young birds.
Objective: Supports regular development with no encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as higher calcium levels can hurt acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to aid rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed meticulously—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a good nutritional supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of everyday ingestion. Supply healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Usually offer clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s far more critical than feed.
Keep feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts based on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens accurately QH88 at Just about every everyday living phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer medical issues. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!