Chicken Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Chicken Feeding Guideline for every Phase: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

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Increasing healthy chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the proper diet at Each individual stage of lifestyle is important for development, egg output, and Total nicely-remaining. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, comprehension 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 a long time.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Months Old)
The primary couple weeks of a chick’s existence are significant. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to assistance speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Variety: Crumbles or mash (easier for tiny beaks to eat)

Supplements: Grit is pointless if feeding only industrial starter feed.

Tip: Steer clear of providing treats as well early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet program to be sure balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks improve into pullets (teenage chickens), their eating plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little decreased protein articles, generally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to stop kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports constant growth without the need of encouraging untimely laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

Suggestion: Steer clear of layer feed until they start laying, as higher calcium concentrations can QH88 damage developing organs.

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / To start with Egg)
After your pullets lay their initial egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Offer you oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for excess calcium.

Tip: Some hens want crumbles more than pellets—observe your flock’s choice.

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re increasing chickens for meat, your feeding strategy is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to assist rapid 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 concerns or coronary heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent dietary supplement on your chickens’ food plan, but they should make up not more than ten% of day by day ingestion. Give healthy options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Steer clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, raw beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If your flock eats whole grains or roughage, provide grit to help digestion.

Remaining Strategies
Normally deliver cleanse, contemporary drinking water—it’s a lot more crucial than feed.

Shop feed correctly to avoid mould and pests.

Alter feed portions based on flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens effectively at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the ideal diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!