Hen Feeding Information for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthy chickens starts with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet at each stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Total effectively-remaining. Whether or not you might be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their changing nutritional demands allows make certain a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of the chick’s life are crucial. Throughout this era, chicks have to have significant-protein starter feed to guidance swift progress and growth. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, along with the right equilibrium of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to take in)
Supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Avoid giving treats way too early—starter feed need to be their sole diet plan to be sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decreased protein information, commonly 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in young birds.
Intent: Supports continuous advancement without the need of encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Stay clear of layer feed until eventually they start laying, as significant calcium ranges can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a greater standard of calcium to assistance eggshell formation.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising QH88 chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers require a superior-protein, Strength-dense feed to guidance immediate bodyweight achieve.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Watch feed thoroughly—overfeeding may result in leg difficulties or heart difficulties.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats is usually a fantastic supplement towards your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than ten% of each day intake. Present 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 entire grains or roughage, give grit to help digestion.
Remaining Suggestions
Often give cleanse, fresh h2o—it’s extra important than feed.
Shop feed effectively in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based on flock size and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single daily life stage ensures a flourishing flock, improved egg output, and less health problems. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!