Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Elevating healthier chickens commences with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet program at Each individual phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg generation, and Over-all well-being. No matter whether you happen to be elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requires helps guarantee a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Outdated)
The 1st several weeks of a chick’s existence are vital. Through this period, chicks call for large-protein starter feed to support quick expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, generally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they start laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats complete grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Recommendations
Usually offer clean, new water—it’s a lot more significant than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at each lifestyle phase makes certain a thriving flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the appropriate QH88 diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!