Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Hen Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

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Elevating healthier chickens begins with good diet. Feeding your flock the right eating plan at Just about every stage of existence is important for growth, egg creation, and overall properly-currently being. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their shifting nutritional requires helps make sure a cheerful and productive flock. This chicken feeding information walks you through what to feed your birds from day a single to their golden laying a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The main couple weeks of the chick’s lifetime are important. All through this period, chicks require superior-protein starter feed to guidance quick growth and progress. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, combined with the correct equilibrium of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for little beaks to eat)

Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only commercial starter feed.

Idea: Stay away from supplying treats way too early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to be certain well balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lessen protein articles, commonly fifteen–17%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports continual expansion with no encouraging premature laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in case you introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium stages can harm establishing organs.

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
Once your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a greater volume of calcium to help eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells free of charge-option for extra calcium.

Tip: Some hens want crumbles around pellets—notice your flock’s desire.

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, energy-dense feed to guidance swift fat gain.

Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.

Tip: Keep track of feed very carefully—overfeeding can cause leg concerns or heart problems.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, QH88 moderately)
Treats could be a great supplement on your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of each day intake. Present healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: Should your flock eats full grains or roughage, offer grit to aid digestion.

Final Tips
Usually provide clean, fresh h2o—it’s additional significant than feed.

Retail outlet feed properly to prevent mold and pests.

Regulate feed parts determined by flock dimension and age.

Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, superior egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the ideal food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!