Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthier chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional needs will help be certain a happy and successful flock. This rooster feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The main handful of months of a chick’s everyday living are crucial. All through this era, chicks need higher-protein starter feed to support rapid expansion and growth. Most starter feeds include 18–twenty% protein, along with the ideal stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Prevent giving treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole eating plan to make sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lessen protein content material, generally fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium levels can hurt producing organs.
three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles about 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 have to have a high-protein, Power-dense feed to help quick pounds attain.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a excellent dietary supplement for your chickens’ food plan, but they ought to make up not more than 10% of daily consumption. Offer nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats entire grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Final Recommendations
Usually give clean, refreshing h2o—it’s extra essential than feed.
Keep feed adequately in order to avoid mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every QH88 lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!