Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Boosting wholesome chickens begins with appropriate diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Each individual stage of life is important for progress, egg manufacturing, and overall very well-becoming. Regardless of whether you might be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional desires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This chicken feeding guidebook walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one particular for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The initial few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. In the course of this period, chicks need large-protein starter feed to assist speedy progress and growth. Most starter feeds incorporate 18–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Idea: Prevent giving treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet plan to be certain balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decreased protein content material, normally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney problems in younger birds.
Function: Supports continuous advancement with out encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can harm producing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and the next degree of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for extra calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles in excess of pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to aid fast body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 QH88 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg troubles or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a excellent dietary supplement for your chickens’ diet, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer you healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always give clean up, new drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Store feed effectively to stop mould and pests.
Regulate feed parts dependant on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Each and every existence stage makes certain a thriving flock, much better egg manufacturing, and fewer medical issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!