Chicken Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guide for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Increasing nutritious chickens commences with suitable nourishment. Feeding your flock the ideal diet program at Every stage of everyday living is important for development, egg generation, and overall effectively-staying. Regardless of whether you happen to be increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their changing nutritional requirements aids assure a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one for their golden laying yrs.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The initial couple months of the chick’s lifestyle are important. During this era, chicks demand significant-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Steer clear of offering treats too early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet plan to make certain balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein content material, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports continuous expansion devoid of encouraging premature laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt acquiring organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Months / 1st Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for added calcium.
Idea: Some hens desire crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to aid rapid excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or coronary heart complications.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats could be a great supplement towards your chickens’ eating plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Offer balanced possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Final Recommendations
Often deliver thoroughly clean, fresh new water—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to prevent mold and pests.
Alter feed parts based upon flock size and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Just about every life phase makes sure a flourishing flock, improved egg production, and much less health concerns. With the ideal diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and QH88 perhaps some clucks of appreciation!