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 healthful chickens starts with good nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper food plan at Every single phase of life is essential for expansion, egg production, and All round very well-being. No matter if you might be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their altering nutritional wants will help guarantee a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one particular to their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Outdated)
The 1st number of weeks of the chick’s daily life are vital. In the course of this period, chicks have to have large-protein starter feed to assistance immediate progress and improvement. Most starter feeds comprise 18–20% protein, together with the proper equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for little beaks to take in)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of giving treats far too early—starter feed needs to be their sole eating plan to ensure balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly reduced protein information, typically fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney troubles in younger birds.
Goal: Supports steady growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Prevent layer feed until finally they start laying, as high calcium degrees can damage developing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First 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 an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-choice for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% QH88 protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed very carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or coronary heart troubles.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a good health supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they must make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: 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 Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.
Shop feed effectively in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Modify feed portions dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens the right way at Each individual life phase assures a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health problems. With the proper food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps several clucks of appreciation!