Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthy chickens starts off with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Just about every stage of existence is important for development, egg creation, and Over-all very well-remaining. No matter whether you are elevating chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowing their modifying nutritional demands will help guarantee a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day 1 for their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The main couple of months of a chick’s existence are essential. For the duration of this period, chicks demand high-protein starter feed to aid immediate progress and advancement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, together with the appropriate balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Prevent supplying treats as well early—starter feed really should be their sole diet to make certain balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decreased protein content, normally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney issues in young birds.
Purpose: Supports steady advancement without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ QH88 Months / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed contains about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-choice for more calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to aid rapid excess weight obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg problems or coronary heart challenges.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a terrific supplement to your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer nutritious alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to help digestion.
Last Recommendations
Usually give clean up, new water—it’s far more significant than feed.
Store feed effectively in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every existence stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!