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 healthier chickens commences with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This chicken feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one to their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s daily life are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve large-protein starter feed to guidance rapid development and growth. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for little beaks to try to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Avoid giving treats too early—starter feed ought to be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced diet.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium levels can damage building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a higher amount of calcium to assistance eggshell development.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for QH88 added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Suggestion: Watch feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a good nutritional supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Closing Tips
Constantly deliver clean, refreshing drinking water—it’s additional vital than feed.
Shop feed appropriately to stop mildew and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single lifetime phase assures a flourishing flock, better egg output, and less health problems. With the correct diet plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!