Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Elevating balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at Every phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and In general properly-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their transforming nutritional wants allows make certain a contented and productive flock. This chicken feeding tutorial walks you thru what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The initial several months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. 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, combined with the appropriate harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to take in)
Health supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.
Idea: Stay clear of supplying treats much too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Stay away from layer feed till they begin laying, QH88 as large calcium levels can damage creating organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s desire.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, Power-dense feed to assist immediate excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to harvest): 18–20% protein.
Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart challenges.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up no more than 10% of daily intake. Provide healthful alternatives 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, give grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more important than feed.
Retail store feed thoroughly to stop mildew and pests.
Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens accurately at Each and every lifestyle phase assures a thriving flock, improved egg creation, and fewer health concerns. With the best diet program, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!