Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Elevating wholesome chickens begins with correct nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal eating plan at Just about every stage of everyday living is essential for growth, egg generation, and All round well-staying. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and effective flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance quick expansion and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Steer clear of providing treats far too early—starter feed need to be their sole food plan to ensure well balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (6–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Function: Supports continual growth without encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium degrees can harm developing 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 16% protein and a higher amount of calcium to support eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles about pellets—observe your flock’s preference.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift fat attain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Idea: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can result in leg concerns or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats can be quite a wonderful health supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than 10% of day by day intake. Give nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats full grains or roughage, provide grit QH88 to help digestion.
Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver clean up, fresh new drinking water—it’s far more critical than feed.
Retailer feed effectively to prevent mould and pests.
Change feed portions according to flock size and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual everyday living stage ensures a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the proper diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!