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 healthy chickens starts with right diet. Feeding your flock the proper food plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for progress, egg production, and Over-all effectively-being. Whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their shifting nutritional needs will help ensure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day just one for their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The main number of weeks of a chick’s existence are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only business starter feed.
Suggestion: Prevent offering treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Goal: Supports regular growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for added calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly supply clear, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.
Modify feed portions QH88 dependant on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately 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 some clucks of appreciation!