Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Elevating healthful chickens begins with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct eating plan at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Over-all properly-becoming. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, being familiar with their modifying nutritional demands assists assure a contented and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first number of months of a chick’s existence are vital. During this era, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to guidance immediate advancement and development. Most starter feeds contain eighteen–20% protein, along with the right balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (much easier for small beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Avoid offering treats also early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet to be certain balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decreased protein material, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports constant expansion without the need of encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right until they begin laying, as significant calcium degrees can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
After your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher volume of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for additional calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help immediate excess weight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a good dietary supplement in your chickens’ diet program, but they should make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer you healthful solutions 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 whole grains or roughage, present grit to aid digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Generally offer cleanse, fresh drinking water—it’s extra crucial than feed.
Retail store feed correctly in order to avoid mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions depending on flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Every single everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and less medical issues. With the QH88 appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!