Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising balanced chickens commences with correct diet. Feeding your flock the best diet plan at each stage of life is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-remaining. Irrespective 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 guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for high-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds have 18–twenty% protein, combined with the correct equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of giving treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lessen protein written content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney troubles in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous expansion with no encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm developing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of every day ingestion. Supply wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Closing Ideas
Constantly deliver thoroughly clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s far more vital than feed.
Retail store feed correctly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Change feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every lifestyle stage ensures a flourishing flock, superior egg generation, and less health issues. With the right food plan, your QH88 birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!