Chicken Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Chicken Feeding Manual for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Increasing healthful chickens begins with proper diet. Feeding your flock the proper food plan at Each individual stage of lifetime is essential for advancement, egg manufacturing, and In general effectively-becoming. Whether or not you might be boosting chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, understanding their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day one particular for their golden laying years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The initial several months of a chick’s existence are important. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the proper stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)
Nutritional supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Tip: Avoid giving treats also early—starter feed should be their sole diet regime to be certain well balanced nourishment.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet program shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally reduced protein material, normally 15–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 for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they begin laying, as higher calcium concentrations can damage creating organs.
three. Layer QH88 Feed (18+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and the next degree of calcium to aid eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Present oyster shell or crushed eggshells totally free-option for extra calcium.
Suggestion: Some hens like crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding method differs. Broilers have to have a higher-protein, Strength-dense feed to support speedy body weight gain.
Starter (0–3 weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg challenges or coronary heart problems.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday intake. Supply healthier possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Prevent: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: If the flock eats total grains or roughage, present grit to assist digestion.
Ultimate Guidelines
Constantly supply clear, refreshing 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!