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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Increasing wholesome chickens begins with right diet. Feeding your flock the appropriate eating plan at Each individual stage of existence is essential for growth, egg production, and In general very well-becoming. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This hen feeding manual walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day a single for their golden laying a long time.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Aged)
The very first handful of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. In the course of this period, chicks need large-protein starter feed to assist immediate advancement and enhancement. Most starter feeds consist of eighteen–20% protein, along with the suitable harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Kind: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Avoid offering treats also early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to guarantee balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat lessen protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in youthful birds.
Objective: Supports constant expansion with out encouraging untimely laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right until they start laying, as higher calcium ranges can harm creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for added calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re QH88 raising chickens for meat, your feeding approach differs. Broilers have to have a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance fast fat attain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–20% protein.
Suggestion: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats is usually a wonderful complement to the chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than ten% of each day intake. Give healthful choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Last Strategies
Often provide clear, fresh new water—it’s far more important than feed.
Keep feed properly in order to avoid mildew and pests.
Regulate feed parts according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens correctly at Each and every daily life stage assures a thriving flock, greater egg generation, and less medical issues. With the appropriate food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!