Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Raising healthful chickens begins with appropriate nourishment. Feeding your flock the right food plan at Just about every stage of daily life is essential for advancement, egg creation, and overall very well-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, understanding their shifting nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from working day 1 to their golden laying yrs.
one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. Through this era, chicks require higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–20% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Variety: Crumbles or mash (simpler for tiny beaks to eat)
Supplements: Grit is needless if feeding only industrial starter feed.
Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed must be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.
two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein information, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.
Reason: Supports constant development without encouraging untimely laying.
Type: QH88 Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.
Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they start laying, as high calcium concentrations can damage developing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed is made up of about 16% protein and a better level of calcium to assist eggshell development.
Kind: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Supply oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens desire crumbles over pellets—observe your flock’s choice.
four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding system is different. Broilers require a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (three months to reap): eighteen–twenty% protein.
Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding may lead to leg problems or heart difficulties.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, sparsely)
Treats might be a great complement to the chickens’ eating plan, but they must make up not more than ten% of day-to-day consumption. Offer you nutritious solutions like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay clear of: 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 vital than feed.
Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.
Adjust feed parts determined by flock measurement and age.
Feeding chickens appropriately at Every life phase guarantees a flourishing flock, greater egg manufacturing, and much less medical issues. With the correct diet, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a couple of clucks of appreciation!