Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing wholesome chickens commences with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet program at Just about every phase of daily life is essential for growth, egg production, and In general very well-staying. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehending their switching nutritional wants helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks demand substantial-protein starter feed to aid immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–twenty% protein, combined with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for very small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Stay away from supplying treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to make sure well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly decrease protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports regular progress with no encouraging premature laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed until eventually they start laying, as large calcium amounts can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for additional calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats generally is a good supplement to your chickens’ diet, but they must make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Give nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats whole grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Tips
Generally offer cleanse, fresh water—it’s far more important than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to prevent mold and pests.
Alter feed portions based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every everyday living phase ensures a flourishing flock, better egg output, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will QH88 reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!