Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising wholesome chickens starts with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet plan at Every single stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Whether you are elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants helps make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. Throughout this period, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to assist speedy advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the ideal equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay clear of providing treats way too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit reduced protein information, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.
Goal: Supports regular advancement devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about sixteen% protein and the next amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers have to have a superior-protein, energy-dense feed to assistance fast body weight gain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be quite a good supplement in your chickens’ diet regime, but they ought to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Present wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your QH88 flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Closing Suggestions
Generally provide thoroughly clean, fresh new h2o—it’s much more essential than feed.
Shop feed properly to avoid mold and pests.
Modify feed portions depending on flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Each individual lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and less health problems. With the correct diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!