Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Raising healthful chickens begins with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the best diet program at Each and every stage of daily life is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round perfectly-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehending their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from working day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. Through this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to guidance immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to consume)
Health supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet program to make certain balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit decreased protein information, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.
Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (18+ Months / QH88 1st Egg)
As soon as your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers need a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick weight obtain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than 10% of daily intake. Provide healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Ideas
Constantly provide clear, refreshing water—it’s much more essential than feed.
Store feed properly to stay away from mould and pests.
Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, much better 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!