Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Elevating healthful chickens begins with correct diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at Every single phase of existence is important for development, egg output, and All round perfectly-currently being. Irrespective of whether you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their transforming nutritional requirements will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day just one to their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The very first handful of weeks of the chick’s life are crucial. For the duration of this period, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support quick growth and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–twenty% protein, together with the ideal equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to consume)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of providing treats too early—starter feed need to be their sole eating plan to make certain balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally decreased protein content, normally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney concerns in younger birds.
Goal: Supports continuous development with no encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay clear of layer feed right up until they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / 1st Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-option for extra calcium.
Tip: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to assist swift pounds attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed meticulously—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart difficulties.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats generally is a good health supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful QH88 options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats whole grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Last Guidelines
Always supply cleanse, fresh water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to prevent mildew and pests.
Regulate feed parts determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg production, and much less health concerns. With the right diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a handful of clucks of appreciation!