Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Tutorial for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Blog Article
Raising healthful chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their altering nutritional desires assists assure a happy and productive flock. This rooster feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day a person to their golden laying several years.
one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks have to have high-protein starter feed to assistance quick advancement and development. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the suitable balance of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to eat)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unwanted if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Idea: Keep away from giving treats much too early—starter feed really should be their sole diet plan to be certain balanced diet.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Previous)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little lower protein articles, typically 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney problems in young birds.
Purpose: Supports continuous advancement without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as substantial calcium amounts can hurt building organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed includes about sixteen% protein and the next degree of QH88 calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-choice for further calcium.
Idea: Some hens choose crumbles about pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
If you’re raising chickens for meat, your feeding method is different. Broilers need a high-protein, Power-dense feed to assistance fast excess weight acquire.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 months to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Tip: Monitor feed carefully—overfeeding may lead to leg difficulties or heart problems.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a terrific nutritional supplement to the chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than ten% of everyday intake. Present wholesome solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: In case your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Closing Tips
Often provide clear, fresh water—it’s a lot more vital than feed.
Retailer feed thoroughly to prevent mold and pests.
Change feed parts based upon flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every single lifetime stage guarantees a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the right food plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a couple of clucks of appreciation!