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 wholesome chickens begins with suitable diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at each phase of lifetime is essential for growth, egg output, and Over-all properly-getting. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial several months of the chick’s everyday living are crucial. All through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, along with the ideal harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Avoid providing treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet regime to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Previous)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit reduced protein written content, usually 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports regular development with no encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed until eventually they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
When your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for excess calcium.
Tip: Some QH88 hens choose crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift excess weight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a terrific dietary supplement to the chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give healthy choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.
Last Suggestions
Usually offer clean, fresh h2o—it’s extra significant than feed.
Retail outlet feed correctly in order to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts based upon flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!