Once you’ve made the decision to start your own poultry flock you need to make sure that you are starting them out with the best foundation. A solid foundation for any flock, whether it is backyard chickens, hobby farm turkeys, geese or specialty birds, is a proper nutrition program.
Depending on the species and purpose of your birds the feed requirements vary. It is critical to do your research beforehand to ensure a healthy productive flock.
FIRST FOOD
Young birds need several factors to help them survive their first days and the stress that comes with shipping. A high quality starter crumble, with a species appropriate nutritional profile, is the important first step.
"Providing the right feed at the right stages that their body needs for it to grow at the best rate is essential. You don’t want to provide too little of a component," advises Braden Desmet, Dealer Sales Manager, Alberta/Saskatchewan, with Trouw Nutrition Canada.
MEDICATED OR NOT
When ordering birds the option of vaccinating for coccidiosis prior to shipping is often available. Coccidiosis, an infection of the intestinal tract, can cause blood in the feces of chicks and can spread rapidly in a flock. Starter feeds are also available in a medicated format to aid in the prevention of the disease in chicks. The devastating effect the disease can have on birds can easily be prevented by using a feed containing AMPROL. When purchasing chicks from UFA you have the option of having them vaccinated using Immucox which delivers lifetime immunity; however; if you do give treated chicks medicated starter in the first 4 weeks, do not stop as the feed will counteract the vaccine.
NEXT STAGES
As your birds reach their next stage of maturity it is important to keep an eye on their growth rate to ensure they are growing at a proper rate. At this stage, which varies by species and purpose, birds move to a grower/finisher ration. The primary change in the feed is the amount of protein is reduced, but the food remains a complete source of nutrients including vitamins and minerals.
After the change to grower/finisher the feed programs become very dependent on bird type and the end purpose. Broiler chickens for instance remain on grower until they are market ready, with only their feed rate changing. Turkey’s move from a higher protein turkey grower pellet to lower protein poultry grower as they approach market age.
Layer Birds for Eggs
| Age | UFA SKU # | Product | Average Feed Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 42 days | 1135096 | 21% ProStock Poultry Starter Medicated | 35g/day |
| 0 - 42 days | 1135100 | 21% ProStock Poultry Starter | 35g/day |
| 42 - 126 days/1st egg | 1135097 | 16% ProStock Poultry Grower/Finisher | 70g/day |
| Laying | 1135098 | 17% ProStock Complete Poultry Layer | 110g/day |
Broiler Birds for Meat
| Age | UFA SKU # | Product | Average Feed Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 28 days | 1135096 | 21% ProStock Poultry Starter Medicated | 75g/day |
| 0 - 28 days | 1135100 | 21% ProStock Poultry Starter | 75g/day |
| 28 days - market | 1135097 | 16% ProStock Poultry Grower/Finisher | 150g/day |
Turkey
| Age | UFA SKU # | Product | Average Feed Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 42 days | 1130278 | 26% Turkey Starter Medicated | 80g/day |
| 42 - 70 days | 1130279 | 22% Turkey Grower | 225g/day |
| 70 days - market | 1135097 | 16% ProStock Poultry Grower/Finisher | 300g/day |
Ducks
| Age | UFA SKU # | Product | Average Feed Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 21 days | 1135100 | 21% ProStock Poultry Starter | 80g/day |
| 21 days - market | 1135097 | 16% ProStock Poultry Grower/Finisher | 250g/day |
Making Feed on the Farm
Poultry Grower/Finisher
- Mix 1 bag of 36% Poultry Supplement (1135009) with 5.66 bags of cracked wheat or whole wheat.
Layer Rotation
- Mix 1 bag of 36% Poultry Supplement (1135009) with 3.65 bags of cracked wheat or whole wheat and 0.28 bags (7kg) of limestone.
Turkey Grower
- Mix 1 bag of 36% Poultry Supplement (1135009) with 3.54 bags of cracked wheat or whole wheat.
Poultry feeds are medicated with Amprol for the prevention of coccidiosis – a disease in young birds that causes blood in feces. Birds build immunity to coccidiosis over time, so medication is not required in older birds. Amprol is not approved for use in ducks, geese or specialty birds.
COMPLETE THE PROFILE
In addition to the key building blocks of protein, fat, and fiber in complete feed there are also essential vitamins that play a vital role in flock health.
- Vitamin A is crucial to the reproductive health of birds and to their immune systems
- Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and eggshell quality
- Vitamin E is required for organ health and nervous system health and must be paired with selenium for proper absorption
GET IT. DONE.
Your local UFA Farm & Ranch Supply Store has a full lineup of poultry feed to provide the building blocks you need to keep your flock healthy and productive year round. Stop in at your local UFA and talk to one of our customer service and sales representatives today.
