Hen Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Information for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens starts off with good nourishment. Feeding your flock the right diet program at Just about every stage of existence is essential for progress, egg creation, and Over-all very well-currently being. Whether you happen to be elevating chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their transforming nutritional demands helps assure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guide walks you thru what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying decades.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Previous)
The main handful of weeks of a chick’s everyday living are crucial. All through this era, chicks call for substantial-protein starter feed to guidance swift progress and growth. Most starter feeds have eighteen–20% protein, together with the suitable stability of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet plan to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat reduce protein material, usually fifteen–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.
Function: Supports regular growth without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit when you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed right until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / Very first Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about 16% protein and the next amount of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
When you’re raising QH88 chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a large-protein, Electrical power-dense feed to assistance quick pounds obtain.
Starter (0–3 months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they need to make up no more than 10% of every day intake. Supply healthful possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: When your flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly supply thoroughly clean, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts according to flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg generation, and fewer health concerns. With the appropriate diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!