Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Boosting healthful chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg generation, and General perfectly-currently being. Regardless of whether you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding tutorial walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The initial several months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance speedy expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein written content, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney concerns in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continual progress without having encouraging premature laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit QH88 in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed until finally they begin laying, as significant calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to help eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 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 is usually a good nutritional supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Supply healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly give clear, refreshing water—it’s much more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Alter feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!