Chicken Feeding Tutorial for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Chicken Feeding Tutorial for Each Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

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Boosting healthy chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of lifetime is essential for expansion, egg creation, and In general properly-being. No matter if you are increasing chicks, pullets, or Grownup hens, comprehension their changing nutritional demands helps guarantee a contented and productive flock. This rooster feeding guideline walks you through what to feed your birds from working day just one to their golden laying decades.

one. Starter Feed (0–six Weeks Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. During this period, chicks call for significant-protein starter feed to support speedy progress and enhancement. Most starter feeds contain 18–20% protein, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Kind: Crumbles or mash (much easier for very small beaks to try to eat)

Nutritional supplements: Grit is avoidable if feeding only professional starter feed.

Idea: Avoid supplying treats too early—starter feed should be their sole diet to make sure balanced nourishment.

two. Grower Feed (6–18 Months Outdated)
As chicks increase into pullets (teenage chickens), their diet regime shifts to grower feed. This feed has a bit decrease protein material, normally 15–seventeen%, and less calcium than layer feed to prevent kidney issues in youthful birds.

Function: Supports regular growth without encouraging untimely laying.

Type: Crumbles or pellets.

Supplements: Grit for those who introduce grains or treats.

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

three. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / First Egg)
The moment your pullets lay their very first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed has about 16% protein and an increased degree of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

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

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

four. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
Should you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a superior-protein, Vitality-dense feed to guidance rapid bodyweight get.

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

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

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

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats could be a excellent complement to your chickens’ food plan, but they need to make up not more than 10% of day by QH88 day intake. Give healthier choices like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Avoid: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If your flock eats complete grains or roughage, provide grit to aid digestion.

Closing Suggestions
Often deliver clear, clean drinking water—it’s additional vital than feed.

Store feed correctly to prevent mold and pests.

Adjust feed parts dependant on flock size and age.

Feeding chickens properly at Every single lifetime phase makes sure 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 several clucks of appreciation!