Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens commences with right diet. Feeding your flock the ideal diet at Every phase of daily life is essential for development, egg production, and overall perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional requires aids ensure 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.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The initial number of months of a chick’s existence are important. During this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to support fast growth and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, along with the ideal harmony of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Prevent giving treats much too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet program to ensure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lower protein information, typically 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in younger birds.
Intent: Supports steady development without having encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed until eventually they start laying, as large calcium amounts can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
When your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers QH88 have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to aid fast fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a great complement for your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give healthier choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.
Closing Suggestions
Generally supply cleanse, fresh water—it’s additional important than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to avoid mold and pests.
Modify feed portions based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every lifetime phase makes certain a flourishing flock, greater egg generation, and less health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!