Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Boosting wholesome chickens commences with suitable nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet program at Every single stage of life is essential for growth, egg creation, and overall very well-becoming. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires helps guarantee 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 decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The initial handful of weeks of the chick’s everyday living are critical. In the course of this period, chicks require large-protein starter feed to assistance fast growth and development. Most starter feeds comprise 18–twenty% protein, combined with the correct equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats also early—starter feed need to be their sole eating plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly reduced protein written content, generally fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney issues in young birds.
Function: Supports continuous growth with out encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Steer clear of layer feed until finally they start laying, as substantial calcium degrees can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initially Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a better degree of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens like crumbles QH88 above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance rapid fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a wonderful dietary supplement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of every day ingestion. Offer you healthful alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: 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 provide clear, new drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Shop feed adequately to avoid mold and pests.
Alter feed portions based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single everyday living phase makes sure a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and much less health concerns. With the right diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!