Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing healthier chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the appropriate diet regime at each stage of lifetime is essential for progress, egg production, and Over-all nicely-staying. No matter whether you might be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their shifting nutritional requires assists make certain a cheerful and effective flock. This rooster feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day 1 to their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The main few weeks of the chick’s daily life are important. In the course of this period, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to support immediate growth and growth. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the suitable harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of giving treats way too early—starter feed should be their sole diet program to guarantee well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit lessen protein content material, normally 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney challenges in younger birds.
Function: Supports constant development without having encouraging premature laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed has about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers have to have a superior-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to help swift weight attain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Watch feed QH88 cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg problems or coronary heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a good nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than ten% of daily consumption. Give healthier options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, provide grit to assist digestion.
Closing Suggestions
Normally offer cleanse, new drinking water—it’s extra important than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to prevent mold and pests.
Alter feed parts dependant on flock dimension and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at each existence stage assures a thriving flock, greater egg creation, and less health problems. With the best diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!