Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthful chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for expansion, egg generation, and All round well-staying. Irrespective of whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their switching nutritional demands helps assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick progress and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, along with the proper balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from providing treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole eating plan to make certain well balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lower protein information, usually 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney troubles in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports regular progress without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as high calcium ranges can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / QH88 To start with Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a better level of calcium to aid eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles more than pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a excellent health supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than 10% of everyday ingestion. Offer you healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Constantly provide cleanse, new drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mold and pests.
Modify feed portions based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Just about every life phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the ideal eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!