Crumbled feed |
Pellet feed |
Mash feed |
Some first time or inexperienced poultry farmers who don't wish to ask questions about which feed is or are for which type of poultry always face feed mix up challenge.
Layers are poultry reared mainly for egg production either at commercial level or personal use.
Now let's help you know your layers feed and when they are needed by your birds
1. CHICK STARTER MASH/CRUMBLED
This is a high protein rich variety of chicken feed designed to meet the dietary requirements of baby chicks. Basically, baby chicks can live comfortably on a diet of starter feed and water for the first 6-7weeks of their life before progressing onto the next variety of feed. The crude protein content is usually between 20-24% and it helps young chicks grow into playful
pullets, however it’s imperative that you phase out the starter feed once they are 6 or 7weeks old, otherwise the excess protein can cause liver damage.
2. GROWER MASH/PELLETS
It is the feed supplied to layers between the ages of 6-20weeks (teenage hens) or untill the hens starts laying. Essentially grower feed contains a protein content that is between 16-18%.In an egg shell, grower feed supports the continuing growth of teenage hens without bombarding them with unnecessary vitamins and minerals that are more suited for fully grown laying hens.
3. LAYERS MASH/PELLETS
For the rest of your laying flock’s life their diet will predominantly consist of scrumptious layer feed. Layer feed has an ingenious balance of protein, calcium and other vitamins and minerals that encourages top tier egg laying abilities in your flock. Protein wise layer feed contains similar levels of protein to grower feed, around 16-18%, however has extra calcium to ensure that their eggshells are crisp, clean and crunchy. Feeding layer feed to baby chicks or young pullets however will not meet their unique dietary requirements. Layer feed should only be fed to chickens around 20 weeks of age or once they have started to lay eggs.
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