Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Raising healthful chickens commences with right diet. Feeding your flock the right eating plan at Just about every stage of lifetime is essential for development, egg production, and In general very well-currently being. Irrespective of whether you happen to be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional requires will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying decades.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Old)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. Throughout this era, chicks have to have superior-protein starter feed to aid swift expansion and advancement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–20% protein, together with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (less complicated for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Prevent giving treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lower protein material, generally 15–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to circumvent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Purpose: Supports steady growth with out encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Avoid layer feed until they begin laying, as large calcium ranges can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for excess calcium.
Idea: Some hens favor crumbles in excess of pellets—notice your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those QH88 who’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers need a large-protein, Strength-dense feed to guidance immediate pounds gain.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to reap): 18–20% protein.
Idea: Observe feed carefully—overfeeding can lead to leg issues or coronary heart troubles.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a terrific supplement on your chickens’ diet regime, but they should make up not more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats full grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always supply clean up, new drinking water—it’s additional important than feed.
Retailer feed adequately to stay away from mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at each lifestyle phase makes sure a flourishing flock, greater egg generation, and less health problems. With the correct diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!