Rooster Feeding Guideline for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

Rooster Feeding Guideline for every Stage: What to Feed Your Flock from Chick to Layer

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Raising healthy chickens starts off with right diet. Feeding your flock the correct diet plan at each phase of existence is important for progress, egg production, and In general effectively-being. Whether you happen to be raising chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their altering nutritional requires aids be certain a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from working day one to their golden laying yrs.

one. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main couple of 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, along with the correct stability of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Sort: Crumbles or mash (a lot easier for very small beaks to take in)

Supplements: Grit is unnecessary if feeding only commercial starter feed.

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

two. Grower Feed (six–18 Weeks Old)
As chicks mature into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has a little bit lessen protein material, generally 15–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney problems in youthful birds.

Reason: Supports continual progress with out encouraging untimely laying.

Kind: Crumbles or pellets.

Dietary supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.

Idea: Keep away from layer feed until finally they begin laying, as superior calcium levels can damage building organs.

three. Layer Feed (18+ Months / Initial Egg)
At the time your pullets lay their 1st egg, it’s time to switch to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains 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 QH88 Birds)
If you’re elevating chickens for meat, your feeding tactic is different. Broilers need a significant-protein, energy-dense feed to help swift excess weight achieve.

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

Finisher (three months to reap): 18–20% protein.

Tip: Check feed thoroughly—overfeeding can lead to leg concerns or heart challenges.

five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats can be a excellent health supplement towards your chickens’ diet, but they should make up not more than 10% of every day intake. Provide healthful possibilities 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.

Ultimate Ideas
Often supply thoroughly clean, refreshing water—it’s more important than feed.

Retail store feed thoroughly to stay away from mildew and pests.

Modify feed portions dependant on flock dimensions and age.

Feeding chickens accurately at Every single existence phase makes certain a thriving flock, better egg output, and less health issues. With the appropriate diet regime, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe some clucks of appreciation!