what to feed chicken pullets

What is the starter diet for chickens?

The Starter diet is a highly nutritious feed; it contains about 20% CP and about 2770 kcal ME/kg. This feed is usually served to pullets from 0 to 6 wk of age and 0 to 4 weeks for broiler chickens. Some farmers feed the pullets starter diet from 0 to 4 weeks of age probably because of the high cost of starter feed.

What should I Feed my chicks?

Chicks should have a daily diet of chick feed that contains the correct amount of protein for their life stage. In addition to their daily feed, some dietary supplements can be used to promote overall good health.

What age can you feed pullets starter feed?

This feed is usually served to pullets from 0 to 6 wk of age and 0 to 4 weeks for broiler chickens. Some farmers feed the pullets starter diet from 0 to 4 weeks of age probably because of the high cost of starter feed. Economically, it is advantageous but considering the performance of the pullets afterward, it is not a good practice.

Where can I find healthy chicks or pullets for my flock?

Commercial hatcheries and jobbers can provide healthy chicks or pullets for layer flocks. Plus sign (+) if content is closed, 'X' if content is open. It's best to delay the sexual maturity of pullets to permit better body growth before they begin egg production.

What should I feed my pullets?

Good choices include leafy greens, cooked beans, corn, non-sugary cereals and grains, berries, apples and most other fruits and vegetables. Despite often voracious appetites and a willingness to eat just about anything you might give them, there are some foods to be avoided.

What can I feed my 8 week old pullets?

With the Purina® Flock Strong® Feeding Program, keep chicks on the same feed from day 1 to week 18. Our starter-grower feeds are formulated to provide all 38 essential nutrients chicks need from day 1 to week 18. Continue to offer the same complete chick starter feed you've been feeding since day 1.

What should I not feed my pullets?

Hens should never be fed food scraps that contain anything high in fat or salt, and do not feed them food that is rancid or spoiled. Specific types of food that hens should not be fed include raw potato, avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, citrus fruits, uncooked rice or uncooked beans [2].

When can pullets start eating layer feed?

around 18 weeksPatrick Biggs, Ph. D. Switch laying hens to a complete chicken layer feed when they start laying eggs around 18 weeks of age. Choose a complete layer feed that includes all the essential nutrients laying hens need to lay strong and stay strong.

At what age can chickens eat vegetables?

Once the baby chickens are at least a week old, they can be fed a mixture of cracked corn, wheat, oatmeal and fat-free meat. Make sure the corn is broken down into small pieces; place in a food processor if necessary. Greens are not recommended until the chicks are older as they can cause diarrhea.

What Age Can chickens eat scratch?

Ideally, wait until birds are 18 weeks old before introducing treats and scratch. It is important that birds receive proper nutrition in early development. If you can't wait to spoil your birds, then wait until the flock is at least 12 weeks old.

Can chickens eat uncooked rice?

Contrary to popular belief, rice is safe for consumption for chickens whether it is cooked or uncooked. If you're going to cook it, make sure to avoid adding extra sodium in the form of seasonings.

What foods are toxic to chickens?

Foods that are poisonous to ChickensAvocado skins and pits are poisonous to chickens. This can cause breathing and/or heart problems, possibly resulting in death.Raw or dried beans. ... Raw green potato skins.Avoid feeding your chickens rhubarb or tomato plants.Chocolate. ... Apple seeds. ... Apricot pits and leaves.

What Age Can chickens eat apples?

If you are going to serve young chicks apples, it is best to wait until they are at least 1 week old. Dice the apple flesh into little pieces to make it easier to consume. Always offer regular chicken feed first and then treats after. Make sure treats are not more than 10% of a chickens daily diet.

Can pullets eat layer pellets?

Layer feed should not be fed to chickens younger than 18 weeks unless they have begun egg-laying because it contains calcium that can permanently damage the kidneys, reduce lifetime egg production and shorten a bird's lifespan.

Are pellets or crumbles better for chickens?

Feeding crumbles provides a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, just like pellets. Some may find that their flock wastes the crumbles a little more than pellets since chickens instinctually forage through smaller feed particles to eat the pieces they want.

What Age Can chickens eat corn?

So what is the age where chickens can begin eating corn? Chicks need to be on a specialized diet for the first 8 weeks of their life. After 8 weeks, they are put onto a regular diet. At around three weeks you can start mixing corn in with their grower's feed.

Should You Buy a Pullet?

One of the biggest benefits of buying a pullet is that you do not have to go through the daily routine of chick care.

Pros

One of the biggest benefits of buying a pullet is that you do not have to go through the daily routine of chick care.

Quick facts

Small flocks require relatively minimal space. Chicks require ½ square foot of space each. Mature birds require up to 2 ½ square feet of space each.

Selecting chicks and pullets

Under proper care, healthy, well-bred chicks make for good layers. Selecting the right type of chick is key to efficient production. Small-bodied commercial White Leghorns that produce a lot of eggs at a low cost are the best layer hens. Some commercial brown egg-laying chickens lay nearly as well as White Leghorns.

Housing

Late spring and summer housing needs for brooding and rearing chicks and pullets are minimal. You can use any small building that meets the floor space needs of your chicks and pullets. After brooding, you can raise pullets in a fenced range or yard with a covered shelter for protection.

Feeding

Complete feeds from the local feed store are a good option for small flock owners. Farms that have good mixing facilities for other livestock can use local grains mixed with the proper commercial concentrate. Follow the directions provided by your local feed supplier.