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 wholesome chickens starts off with right nutrition. Feeding your flock the proper food plan at Each individual stage of life is important for growth, egg generation, and All round well-staying. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge 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 Weeks Previous)
The 1st few weeks of a chick’s lifetime are critical. For the duration of this era, chicks involve higher-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and improvement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, combined with the suitable equilibrium of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Form: Crumbles or mash (simpler for small beaks to consume)

Dietary supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only business starter feed.

Suggestion: Keep away from offering treats way too early—starter feed really should be their sole eating plan to guarantee well balanced diet.

2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks develop into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has slightly lower protein content, ordinarily fifteen–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to forestall kidney difficulties in younger birds.

Objective: Supports steady expansion with no encouraging premature laying.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Grit should you introduce grains or treats.

Tip: Stay clear of layer feed right up until they start laying, as superior calcium stages can harm producing organs.

3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initially Egg)
When your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed is made up of about sixteen% protein and a better volume of calcium to assist eggshell development.

Type: 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 QH88 Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to guidance immediate bodyweight get.

Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.

Finisher (three weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Keep an eye on feed diligently—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.

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 ten% of daily intake. Offer wholesome choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: Should your flock eats entire grains or roughage, supply grit to aid digestion.

Final Suggestions
Always provide clean, fresh new h2o—it’s far more critical than feed.

Keep feed effectively to prevent mold and pests.

Change feed portions according to flock size and age.

Feeding chickens correctly at Each individual lifetime stage ensures a flourishing flock, far better egg production, and less health problems. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a few clucks of appreciation!