Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Blog Article

Raising balanced chickens starts off with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at each stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total well-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional needs aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying many years.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial several months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to support speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the proper stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Tip: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports regular growth without encouraging untimely laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit when QH88 you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.

Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.

Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of each day ingestion. Give balanced options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.

Remaining Recommendations
Generally present cleanse, clean water—it’s much more essential than feed.

Store feed properly to stay away from mildew and pests.

Modify feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!