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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Increasing balanced chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of lifestyle is important for development, egg production, and Over-all effectively-remaining. Irrespective of whether you are boosting chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional wants will help make sure a cheerful and successful flock. This chicken feeding information walks you thru what to feed your birds from day a single for their golden laying years.

1. Starter Feed (0–6 Months Aged)
The very first number of months of the chick’s lifestyle are essential. Throughout this period, chicks call for superior-protein starter feed to support speedy expansion and enhancement. Most starter feeds include 18–20% protein, along with the proper harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

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

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

Tip: Stay away from providing treats also early—starter feed needs to be their sole diet regime to be sure balanced nutrition.

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein information, commonly 15–17%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to avoid kidney concerns in young birds.

Intent: Supports continual progress without having encouraging untimely laying.

Sort: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit in the event you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally 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 support eggshell formation.

Variety: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Give oyster shell or crushed eggshells cost-free-option for additional calcium.

Tip: Some hens favor crumbles above 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 guidance rapid bodyweight attain.

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

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

Suggestion: Observe feed cautiously—overfeeding can cause leg difficulties or coronary heart problems.

5. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, moderately)
Treats can be quite a good supplement for your chickens’ diet program, but they need to make up no more than 10% of everyday consumption. Offer you healthier selections like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.

Stay clear of: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.

Use grit: If the flock eats full grains or roughage, deliver grit to help digestion.

Closing Recommendations
Generally present clear, clean drinking water—it’s much more essential than feed.

Shop feed properly to avoid mould and pests.

Alter feed QH88 portions based on flock sizing and age.

Feeding chickens the right way at Just about every daily life stage makes sure a flourishing flock, much better egg production, and less health problems. With the right eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe a handful of clucks of appreciation!