Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens starts off with proper nourishment. Feeding your flock the proper diet plan at Every single stage of life is important for progress, egg creation, and General well-staying. Irrespective of whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional needs allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Aged)
The first couple of weeks of the chick’s existence are essential. During this era, chicks require large-protein starter feed to assist swift advancement and improvement. Most starter feeds include eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the proper balance of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (simpler for very small beaks to try to eat)
Dietary supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only professional starter feed.
Suggestion: Steer clear of supplying treats way too early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Outdated)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein material, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney challenges in youthful birds.
Objective: Supports constant QH88 advancement without encouraging premature laying.
Form: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Prevent layer feed right until they begin laying, as significant calcium stages can damage building organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater level of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Health supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for additional calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens favor 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 superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg issues or coronary heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a fantastic health supplement on your chickens’ eating plan, but they ought to make up no more than ten% of day-to-day intake. Offer balanced selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In the event your flock eats complete grains or roughage, supply grit to help digestion.
Ultimate Suggestions
Normally give thoroughly clean, fresh new water—it’s additional crucial than feed.
Retail store feed effectively to stay away from mould and pests.
Adjust feed portions determined by flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single lifetime phase makes certain a flourishing flock, superior egg output, and much less medical issues. With the appropriate eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!