Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Chicken Feeding Guidebook for Each Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

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Boosting balanced chickens starts with proper diet. Feeding your flock the ideal food plan at Each individual phase of existence is important for expansion, egg manufacturing, and overall properly-becoming. Whether or not you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, knowing their switching nutritional wants helps make certain a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline 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 require large-protein starter feed to assist immediate growth and advancement. Most starter feeds incorporate eighteen–twenty% protein, together with the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Type: Crumbles or mash (less difficult for small beaks to try to eat)

Health supplements: Grit is unwanted 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 well 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 Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)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 bit decrease protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.

Reason: Supports constant development with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Keep away from layer feed till they begin laying, as substantial calcium ranges can hurt building organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Very first Egg)
Once your pullets lay their initially egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specifically formulated feed consists of about sixteen% protein and a higher standard of calcium to assistance eggshell development.

Form: Crumbles or pellets.

Health supplements: Offer oyster shell or crushed eggshells absolutely free-choice for further calcium.

Idea: Some hens choose crumbles around pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In the event you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Power-dense feed to assist rapid bodyweight get.

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

Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): 18–20% protein.

Suggestion: Watch feed carefully—overfeeding can result in leg troubles or coronary heart complications.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, in Moderation)
Treats could be a wonderful nutritional supplement to your chickens’ diet plan, but they should make up no more than 10% of daily intake. Provide wholesome alternatives like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

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

Use grit: When your flock eats complete grains or roughage, give grit to assist digestion.

Last Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, new water—it’s more vital than feed.

Retail store feed adequately to stop mildew and pests.

Modify feed parts based upon flock dimensions and QH88 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!