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Feeding Chickens - Part 2

22/10/2010 Correct feed should be given to give your hens a healthy life, to produce feathers and of course to keep a regular supply of eggs. We

We expect a lot form our hens to give us an egg on a daily basis so we have to ensure that they are getting the correct protein, fats, calcium and vitamins for their daily needs.

 Feed kitchens scraps by all means but make sure they have their fill of pellets in the morning then followed by an afternoon treat, be it scraps of a few handfuls of mixed corn when the night are cold to keep the birds warm overnight with a full crop.

 Modern day feed is formulated to make your birds receive a complete diet so when it’s fed in the correct quantities their dietary needs should be met. Feed should be available ad lib and birds should be given 125g a day each.

Newly hatched chicks have a natural reserve of food to last a few days after hatching has taken place and then after this the birds will need to be given solids.  These are best known as chick crumbs and they can be medicated to prevent worms and coccidiosis if required. It’s important though that these medicated feeds are not fed to laying hens. Size is the key to a good chick crumb too large and the poor birds will not be able to eat them.

 Chick crumbs are normally fed until 5-6 weeks when they can be gradually changed over to a growers ration. Growers pellets are designed to take a bird to its POL feed. It’s important not to overfeed in this time period, which is why growers pellets are often lower in protein.

 After this time layers pellets should be introduced into the diet at around 16- 18 weeks of age.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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