Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
Hen Feeding Manual for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer
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Boosting healthy chickens begins with suitable diet. Feeding your flock the ideal diet at Every phase of lifetime is essential for growth, egg production, and Over-all properly-getting. No matter whether you're increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires assists ensure a cheerful and effective flock. This hen feeding manual walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying a long time.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Outdated)
The first handful of weeks of a chick’s daily life are significant. In the course of this period, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to aid rapid growth and improvement. Most starter feeds have 18–twenty% protein, combined with the appropriate stability of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Form: Crumbles or mash (easier for little beaks to consume)
Supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only business starter feed.
Tip: Stay clear of offering treats as well early—starter feed ought to be their sole food plan to be sure well balanced nutrition.
2. Grower Feed (six–eighteen Weeks Previous)
As chicks grow into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has somewhat decreased protein content material, commonly fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney difficulties in youthful birds.
Objective: Supports constant expansion without encouraging untimely laying.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.
Tip: Stay away from layer feed right up until they start laying, as large calcium amounts can harm developing organs.
three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / To start with Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their to start with egg, it’s time to change to layer feed. This specially formulated feed incorporates about 16% protein and a higher volume of calcium to assist eggshell formation.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells no cost-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s preference.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
For those who’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic differs. Broilers need a substantial-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.
Starter (0–three weeks): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–twenty% protein.
Tip: Keep track of feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg problems or heart issues.
5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats can be a excellent dietary supplement to the chickens’ diet regime, but they need to make up not more than 10% of everyday intake. Give nutritious possibilities like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Stay away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats whole grains or roughage, deliver grit to aid digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Usually provide clear, fresh drinking water—it’s more critical than feed.
Store feed appropriately to stay away from mold and pests.
Modify feed portions determined by flock dimensions and age.
Feeding chickens effectively at Each individual life phase makes certain a thriving flock, much better egg production, and much less medical issues. With the best diet program, QH88 your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and perhaps a number of clucks of appreciation!