POULTRY FEEDING GUIDE

Transcription

1 POULTRY FEEDING GUIDE 1

2 Raising a small poultry flock can be a very enjoyable and profitable experience. A quality feeding program, along with good management will ensure success. ProForm poultry feeds are carefully formulated to provide nutritionally balanced diets for optimal health and efficient production. Table of Contents What type of bird should I buy? 3 How many birds should I buy? 4 How do I house them? 5 What feed should I buy? 5 ProForm Feeding Program 6 How much feeder and water space do I need? 8 Brooding Chickens 9 Meat Birds 11 Layers 11 Ducks and Geese 13 Turkeys 14 Game Birds 14 Flock Health 15 Disease Chart 16 Disease Overview 18 Chicken Tips 21 The information and recommendations made within this handbook are based on accepted poultry production principles and our own experience, which we believe to be accurate. However, due to difference in management and environmental conditions, Hi-Pro makes no claim or warranty as to potential results or performance. 2

3 What type of bird should I buy? Chicken You can choose between non-selected or traditional breeds, and selected or modern breeds. Modern breeds have been selected based on meat production and carcass traits (meat-type) or on egg production (egg-type). Modern breeds, or strains, are often called by the name of the breeding company. Hubbard, Arbor Acres, and Avian are meat-type birds that will convert feed to meat very efficiently. However, they are all very poor egg layers. Dekalb and Hy-Line are egg-type birds that will convert feed to eggs very efficiently, but have extremely poor carcass traits. If you want to purchase modern, selected breeds you will likely need to contact a commercial hatchery. If you choose a traditional breed, you have the choice of single purpose or dual purpose breeds. Dual purpose breeds (Barred Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, and New Hampshire) can be used for eggs and meat. The cockerel can be raised for meat and the pullets will lay a good quantity of brown eggs. Most modern meat-type birds are based on the White Rock or Cornish breeds and either of these traditional breeds will produce good quantities of meat. These pullets can be used for brown egg production provided you don t allow them to exceed 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) in body weight at the time of first egg. Modern egg-type chickens are based on the White Leghorn because the White Leghorn is a very efficient egg producer. White Leghorn s lay large, high quality, white eggs. For brown eggs, choose a coloured chicken such as the Rhode Island Red. There are also several strains of modern brown egg layers available through your commercial hatchery. Turkeys The choice of turkeys is limited between a White (modern) or a Bronze strain (traditional). Both toms and hens of either strain are suitable for meat production. The White Turkeys are faster growing and the carcass is easier to clean than the dark-feathered Bronze strains. Ducks Popular egg-laying breeds are the Khaki Campbell and the Indian Runner. These small, active, non-broody ducks can produce large quantities of eggs. However, they tend to be of nervous temperament compared to the meat breeds. Meat producing breeds such as the Peking, Muscovy or Rouen have been selected for rapid growth, mature body size, hardiness and ease of handling. The Peking and Muscovy ducks have white feathers, which are better for down production and make for a cleaner carcass. Mature drakes weigh kg (10-11 Ibs) and mature females weigh kg (8-9 Ibs). 3

4 Geese Breeds for meat production include the Toulouse, Embden and African. These geese have been selected for good livability, rapid growth and coats of white or near-white feathers. Mature ganders reach kg (26-30 lbs) and mature geese weigh 9-12 kg (20-26 Ibs). How many birds should I buy? This will depend primarily on the amount of space that you have available. You should estimate a mortality rate of 2-4% due to death or necessary culling (removing a bird from the flock). During the laying cycle, estimate egg production at about one egg per hen every two days for dual purpose breeds, or three eggs per hen every four days for leghorns. Species Age Bird/m 2 Space Ft 2 /Bird Chickens 0-4 wks Chickens 4-8 wks Chickens 8-12 wks Chickens wks Turkeys 0-8 wks Turkeys 8-12 wks Turkeys 18 wks on Ducks 0-3 wks Ducks 3-5 wks Ducks 5 wks on

5 Geese are commonly raised outside with minimal shelter, or indoors with access to outside. If full-grown geese are to be kept inside for a period of time, provide a minimum of 0.7 bird/m 2 (15 ft 2 / bird). This will keep the pen clean and will help to prevent fighting. For overnight housing, allow about 1.1 bird/m 2 (10 ft 2 /bird). How do I house them? When possible, the poultry house should be away from other livestock buildings. Windows should face the east to prevent over-heating on warm sunny days. The house should be well insulated, free from drafts, and have a solid floor of either cement or wood. Access to an outdoor coop is optional. Before the birds arrive, clean out the old litter and droppings and wash the inside of the house. When the walls and ceiling are dry, wipe or spray these with a good disinfectant. Feeders and waterers should also be washed and disinfected prior to use. Proper disinfection is particularly important if disease has been a problem on the previous flock. What feed should I buy? What you feed chickens depends on their age and function. ProForm poultry feeds are designed to provide a balanced diet for each type of bird at different ages and in different stages of production. They contain the necessary vitamins, minerals, protein and energy that the birds require. A complete line of ProForm feed is available for chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and other poultry. Chicken Scratch Feeding various whole grains with cracked corn is called scratch. It is not an adequately balanced diet; therefore birds may develop nutritional deficiencies if scratch is fed alone. Caged chickens will be substantially undernourished if scratch is their only feed. Scratch can be used as a treat and to keep the litter loose. 5

6 ProForm Feeding Programs Intakes are expressed as average daily intake in grams per bird over the time-frame indicated. Feed intake is highly dependent on the genetic strain of bird, feeding equipment, ambient temperature, supplementary feeding sources, water supply, and a host of other health and environmental factors. These intakes represent estimates and actual intake will vary widely based on these factors. Meat Birds (Broilers & Roasters) Average Intake (g/day) 0-21 Days Poultry Starter Crumble (Medicated) Days Poultry Grower Crumble (Medicated) Days - Market Poultry Grower Crumble (Non-Medicated) 175 Laying Hens Average Intake (g/day) 0-42 Days Poultry Starter Crumble (Medicated) Days Poultry Grower Crumble (Medicated) Days or First Egg Production Period (18-40 weeks) After 40 Weeks of Age Poultry Grower Crumble 75 All Purpose Layer Pellet 105 Laying Pellets 115 6

7 Turkeys 0-42 Days Turkey and Game Bird Starter Crumble (Medicated) Days Turkey and Game Bird Grower Crumble (Medicated) Average Intake (g/day) Days to Market Weight Turkey, Duck and Goose Finisher Pellet 300 Duck (Meat) Average Intake (g/day) 0-21 Days Duck and Goose Starter Crumble Days to Market Turkey, Duck and Goose Pellet 250 Geese (Meat) Average Intake (g/day) 0-42 Days Duck and Goose Starter Crumble Days to Market Turkey, Duck and Goose Pellet 275 Please note that product availability varies by region, contact your sales representative for more information. 7

8 How much feeder and water space do I need? This table will assist you in determining your feeder and water space requirements. Species Age Feeder/Bird Space Water/Bird Chicken 0-4 wks 2.5 cm (1 in) 0.5 cm (0.2 in) Chickens 4 wks to market 5 cm (2 in) 1.3 cm (0.5 in) Turkeys 0-4 wks 2.5 cm (1 in) 1.3 cm (0.5 in) Turkeys 4-16 wks 5 cm (2 in) 2.5 cm (1 in) Turkeys wks 6.4 cm (2.5 in) 2.5 cm (1 in) Ducks 0-3 wks 2.5 cm (1 in) 1.3 cm (0.5 in) Ducks 3-5 wks 3.8 cm (1.5 in) 2.5 cm (1 in) Ducks 5 wks to market 5 cm (2 in) 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Geese 0-2 wks 3.8 cm (1.5 in) 2.5 cm (1 in) Geese 2 wks to market 6.4 cm (2.5 in) 5 cm (2 in) 8

9 Brooding Chickens The care of chicks is similar for meat and egg strains. Proper temperature, easy access to water and fresh feed are critical for the first few weeks. Prepare the brooder the day before the chicks arrive by having the heat source, litter, feed and water already in place for use. Brooder Day old chicks should be started in a warm, dry, draft-free area. Place a brooder guard, such as a cardboard ring, around the heat source to confine the birds to the heat, water and feed. The brooder diameter should start at cm (2-3 feet) larger than the heat source and should increase as the birds grow. At 7 to 10 days, remove the brooder ring and place the feeders and waters around the house. Temperature The heat source should be at least 40 cm (16 inches) above the litter to minimize fire hazard. More than one heat lamp is recommended in case a bulb burns out. Set the temperature at C (90-95 F) for day old chicks, and decrease the temperature 3 C (5 F) each week thereafter. Check the temperature at chick level and observe the chicks comfort level. If the chicks pant or press against the edges of the brooder, they are too hot; if they huddle together in a pile, they are too cold. Sharp chirping indicates discomfort. Adjust the heat source as necessary. Litter Chicks should be raised on a clean, dry, absorbent material such as wood shavings or sawdust. Straw and shredded paper will also work but are more difficult to maintain. Leg problems may develop if the birds are placed on slippery material such as paper. The litter should be 7-10 cm (3-4 inches) deep in the brooding area. Stir the litter daily to keep it dry; replace the litter if it gets wet or cakes. Wet litter is a major source of disease. 9

10 Lighting Chicks should have continuous light for the first 3 to 7 days to ensure they find the feed and water. After one week, they should have 12 hours of continuous light per day. (See specific lighting requirements for each type of poultry). Use sixty watt incandescent bulbs for the first two weeks then use 20 watt bulbs. Reduced light intensity will help reduce cannibalism. Water Fill the waterers several hours in advance so that the water is at room temperature. Put in extra water for the first few days. As each bird is placed in the brooder, dip its beak in the water so they get a drink and learn to find water. Provide fresh water daily. Feed Place feed in the feeders and on low flat trays that are easy for the chicks to reach (egg cartons work well) or use commercial chick paper if available. Remove the trays once the birds have learned to eat from the feeders. Commercial chick paper will disintegrate and disappear as the birds age. Chicks will require 2-3 cm (1 inch) of feeder space per bird. Feed should be available at all times. Chicks should be started on a high protein, medicated ration (if not vaccinated at the hatchery for coccidiosis). ProForm 22% Medicated Poultry (chick) Starter Crumbles is a nutritionally complete ration with medication to inhibit coccidiosis, a disease that can cause up to 90% mortality. Poultry Starter should be fed free choice up to 3 weeks of age. (Feed ProForm 22% Non-medicated starter to coccidiosis vaccinated birds and continue on with a non-medicated feeding program). 10

11 Meat Birds Lighting Program for Broilers Broiler chicks should be provided light 23 or 24 hours a day for the first 3 days, with an intensity of approximately 20 lux. For the next 3 weeks, the light can be reduced to 8-14 hours per day and the intensity can be reduced to about 10 lux. This will slow early growth and help to prevent leg problems and heart attacks later. At 3 weeks of age, you may want to return to 24 hours of light to encourage maximum growth or stay on the lighting program allowing periods of darkness. Marketing Meat birds raised in confinement are usually processed at 7-9 weeks of age. Roasters can be produced by waiting until the birds are older (14-16 weeks), but the amount of feed per pound of gain increases as the birds get heavier. Farm flock birds that run loose may not be heavy enough until 24 weeks of age. Feed Program ProForm Broiler rations should be fed free choice as the only feed in order to realize maximum growth and profit on broiler chickens. Feeding a complete ration will produce healthier birds that are less susceptible to disease. Birds fed solely on whole grain diets, may develop leg problems due to low vitamin and mineral levels. Layers Housing Hens for a laying flock can be purchased as day old chicks, as pullets at weeks of age or as mature laying hens. Good feeding management and light control will help to maintain maximum egg production. Pullets are typically housed in a layer building at weeks of age (farm flocks that run loose may not start laying until 24 weeks of age). Floor space should be m (2-3 feet) per bird, depending on whether they have an outside run. The layer house should have 10 cm (4 inches) of litter on the floor and adequate feeder and water space. Provide one nest box 30 x 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 x 12 ) for each four hens. A temperature range between 7 C to 27 C (45 F to 80 F) is acceptable. In extremely cold weather, supplemental heat may be needed. 11

12 Lighting Programs for Layers Chickens normally lay between early spring and mid-fall. Increasing day length (January - June) stimulates egg production; decreasing day length (July - December) inhibits egg production. Commercial egg producers regulate temperature and lighting to ensure continuous egg production year-round. Farm Flock If the chicken coop has electricity, light bulbs will help to keep it warm in winter and prevent drinking water from freezing. Lighting can also be used to stimulate laying during the winter. Giving the chickens light during the evening or early morning to simulate 14 to 16 hours of sunlight will increase winter production. Housed Layers with Runs Lighting control can be used to increase egg production. The most important considerations are: (1) maintain a constant day length for growing pullets and (2) never decrease day length or light intensity for laying hens. A general lighting program is to raise pullets on a constant day length of 10 hours of light per day. When the pullets are old enough to lay (usually weeks of age), the day length is gradually increased up to 16 hours of light per day. Housed Layers For maximum egg production, lighting can be used to control the birds sexual maturity, behaviour, and rate of production. Start chicks at 24 hours of light for 3-7 days. After the chicks have found feed and water, reduce the light to 16 hours. Up to 3 weeks of age, gradually decrease the light to 10 hours per day. Maintain 10 hours of light until the pullets are large enough to start to lay eggs (usually weeks), and then begin to increase the day length. Increase the light 30 minutes each week until there is 16 hours of light. Maintain a constant day length of 16 hours. If the light period is decreased, egg production will drop. Automatic timing devices to turn the lights on and off are available and recommended. Feeding Program ProForm laying rations should be fed free choice as the only feed in order to maximize egg production. Laying pellets fed alone provide a complete diet with a sufficient amount of calcium. Laying hens need calcium to keep the shells thick. If laying pellets are combined with other whole grains, the levels of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, will be diluted. Oyster shell can be offered free choice or sprinkled over the feed for additional calcium. 12

13 Ducks and Geese Ducks are raised for eggs (Indian Runner, Khaki Campbell) or meat (White Peking, Rouen, Muscovy Hybrids). Geese are generally raised for meat only. Two common breeds of geese are Embden and Tolouse. Ducks and geese can be grown with a house and yard, or entirely in confinement. Brooding While ducks and geese are hardier than chicks, brooding is still the most critical stage. The brooder should be 38 C (100 F) for the first four days and then gradually reduced to 30 C (86 F) by the third week. Have the feeders and waterers filled and in place the day before the birds arrive. In addition to regular feeders, provide extra feed on egg cartons for the first few days. Have at least one waterer for every 25 ducklings/goslings. Waterers must be large enough for birds to submerge the tips of their bills but not so large that they can get in and swim. Ducks and geese will try to swim in their waterers, making the area around the waterers very wet and dirty. Placing the waterers on screened platforms will help to keep the litter drier. It is best to move the waterers outside when the birds are old enough. Lighting/ Marketing Ducks and geese should be brooded with continuous light for the first 3 weeks. Ducks can be marketed at 10 weeks of age; geese at weeks of age. ProForm Duck and Goose Feeding Program ProForm provides a complete line of feed products to meet the nutritional needs of duck and goose productions. Ducks should be fed a commercial duck feed only, because of their very high niacin requirement. Ducks will graze grass, but they cannot utilize the nutrients as well as geese. Geese are excellent foragers and can be put on pasture at 3 to 4 weeks of age (confinement at night and during rainy cold weather is still recommended). It is then necessary to limit feed to reduce wastage. Feeding birds in the evening will encourage grazing during the day. Laying strains of ducks can lay over 300 eggs per duck per year. They should be fed 17% duck breeder pellets supplemented with oyster shell or limestone. If ducks or geese are kept for breeding, feed should be restricted to maintain body condition. 13

14 Turkeys Brooding Turkey poults should be brooded similar to baby chicks, although they are more fragile and require extra attention during the first few weeks. Set the brooder temperature at C (95-99 F ) before the poults arrive. Have easily accessible feed and water already in place. Vitamins may be added to the water for the first few days to provide an additional boost. Feed Turkeys should be fed free choice in a clean, easily accessible feeder. Feed wastage will occur if the pans are too full. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Sprinkle grit on top of the feed to aid digestion. Lighting/ Marketing Start the poults on 24 hours of light, but reduce it to 16 hours after 5 to 7 days. Broiler turkeys are marketed at weeks (5 kg / 11 lb. market weight); heavy hens at weeks (7 kg / 16 lb. market weight); heavy toms at weeks (12 kg / 26 lb. market weight). ProForm Turkey Feeding Program Turkey poults grow very rapidly, therefore they need an accurately balanced ration to meet their high nutrient requirements. ProForm turkey feeds are specifically formulated to supply adequate nutrients for fast-growing birds. Game Birds Game birds are raised for meat and sport (release). Rearing game birds requires skilled management because the birds are semi-wild. All types of game birds require intensive rearing up to 8 weeks of age. They are very sensitive to chilling and require careful temperature and lighting control. 14

15 Quail and Pheasant These birds should be brooded at 40 C (104 F) for the first week and 35 C (95 F) for the second week. They need 24 hours of light for the starter and grower periods, however, the light intensity must be controlled. Bright lighting may result in cannibalism; low lighting may result in high mortality or starve-outs due to the birds not finding feed and water. Guinea Fowl Guinea Fowl are very flighty and are therefore brooded with very low light intensity. Guinea Fowl are brooded at 40 C (104 F) for the first 3 weeks. At four weeks, the temperature can be lowered to 38 C (100 F) and at 5 weeks to 35 C (95 F). Flock Health What if my birds are vaccinated? If your birds have been vaccinated at the hatchery it is not necessary to feed a medicated feed. For vaccinated poultry you can substitute the medicated starter (190101) with the 22% non-medicated starter (190111). You will begin to cut or blend in 16% Poultry Grower Crumbles at approximately three weeks and gradually wean the birds off of the starter over a period of weeks. Blending is commonly used in large scale commercial poultry production. If you do not know if your birds have been vaccinated or have started feeding a medicated feed, continue with the medicated feeding program. Why should I vaccinate or medicate my flock? Chicks are very susceptible to a disease called coccidiosis. Coccidiosis is a disease that causes severe digestive disorders in chicks. Mortality can approach 90% if the chicks are not fed a medicated feed, or are not vaccinated to help prevent coccidiosis at the hatchery. The medication in ProForm is designed to prevent a coccidiosis outbreak in your flock. What about diseases? Disease can be caused by living organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), nutritional deficiencies, toxic substances, or harsh environmental conditions. By recognizing the early warning signs of a disease, you can prevent significant mortality losses. 15

16 Disease Chart Disease How do I recognize it? Ascities (water belly) Affected birds will be lethargic and have laboured breathing: accumulation of fluid in body cavity: often fatal Behavioural Cannibalism; feather pecking; hysteria Blackhead Breast Blisters Coccidiosis Flips Leg Problems Mites and Lice Marek s Contracted from chickens, wild birds or earthworms; decreased feed intake; watery and yellowish feces; high mortality in poults Irritations of the keel bone; blister on the breast at the keel Severe problem in young birds; blood in feces; sickly looking birds; high mortality Sudden death syndrome; affected chickens are often found dead on their back Lameness, limping, visible swelling at joints Causes great irritation to bird; anaemia due to blood loss, mites are brownish/ red and the size of a pin head, lice are 3 mm long and skin colored, can be seen around the vent or under wings A virus causing high mortality 16 Pasting Up Respiratory Problems Worms Feces stick to vent area preventing further defecation, worms or disease may be the cause if incidence is high, heat or cold stress may cause pasting up Gasping, wheezing, nasal discharge, and coughing, caused by virus, bacteria or fungi White, round worms in feces, lower productivity, inactive with ruffled feathers and drooping wings

17 Birds Affected Fast growing broilers What do I do? Reduce birds growth rate by reducing day length, (ensure good air quality) Leghorn types Turkeys Meat type birds Beak-trim, reduce light intensity, don t startle birds, don t over crowd Avoid problem by not allowing turkeys contact with other birds, medication is available Provide clean, dry litter, encourage walking Chicks in contact with feces Fast growing chickens Meat type birds Feed medicated starter and grower feed, provide dry litter Reduce birds growth rate by reducing day length Reduce birds growth rate reducing day length, cull birds Chickens Young chickens Chicks/poults Ensure the house is properly sanitized prior to birds entering, minimize contact with older birds,mite and lice controlling dusts or chemicals are available Minimize contact with older birds, have chicks vaccinated at hatchery Pick off dried feces, minimize worm and disease threat All poultry Ensure good flock management to minimize disease threat, water medication available All poultry Ensure good sanitation practices, water medication is available 17

18 Disease Overview Biosecurity Biosecurity is a term used to describe the controls you have in place to limit the potential to introduce disease causing organisms onto your farm and minimize the chance of spreading disease-causing organisms to other farms. Maintaining the biosecurity of your poultry farm is an important responsibility. Government and the poultry industry have worked together to create biosecurity guides available to the poultry production industry, which are updated as new information and standards are developed. Biosecurity guides are available from government agricultural offices and/or through access to the internet. Disease symptoms to watch for include coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, droopiness, abnormal droppings and sudden drops in feed consumption or egg production. Isolate sick birds, have the problem diagnosed immediately and start treatment. A veterinarian or your local poultry disease diagnostic laboratory will be able to help you. Very sick birds should he humanely killed and buried or burned in an incinerator depending or local regulations. If allowed, disposal pits should typically be located at least 46 m (150 ft) from wells or springs. To help prevent the spread of disease, do not mix birds of various ages or species. Young birds are susceptible to diseases carried by older birds. Turkeys and game birds are susceptible to some diseases carried by chickens. Most disease organisms can be controlled through cleaning and disinfection of facilities and equipment before new birds are introduced. Proper sanitation will help to prevent spread of disease from one flock to the next. Wet and caked litter will incubate disease organisms. Maintaining fresh, dry litter will help to minimize disease challenge. Vaccination Chicks may be vaccinated at the hatchery for some diseases. Purchased pullets may also be vaccinated. Check with the hatchery to find out what vaccinations were given. Coccidiosis vaccination is available at many hatcheries and feeding programs must be modified based on the treatment given to the chicks. For coccidiosis vaccination to adequately provide immunity to the growing birds, adequate spray techniques at the hatchery matched with careful management of the growing birds is required to help develop immunity. 18

19 Providing medicated feed (medicated for coccidiosis control) to coccidiosis vaccinated chicks will disrupt the vaccination process and birds will not develop adequate immunity. If vaccinated birds are accidentally fed feed medicated to control coccidiosis, continue feeding a medicated feed until birds have reached an age where immunity is likely to have developed (typically more than 6 weeks of age). Pasting Up Chicks sometimes develop a condition called pasting up, when the droppings stick to the vent area. If there is a buildup of hard droppings, the chick will not be able to eliminate. The dried droppings must be picked off. If pasting up affects a large percentage of the chicks, worms or a disease may be the cause. Make sure that the housing is clean and the feed is appropriate for the age of bird. Crooked legs Crooked legs can be a problem with meat-type birds. Leg problems are generally caused by the rapid rate of growth. The heavier the birds get, the greater the incidence. Following ProForm s feed and management recommendations will help to minimize these problems. Maintaining good litter conditions, proper ventilation and avoiding overcrowding will also help. Breast Blisters Breast blisters are a problem with meat-type birds. They are irritations to the keel bone caused by wet or caked litter. To control this problem, keep the litter dry and at least 10 cm (4 inches) deep. Cannibalism Cannibalism may occur in young birds if they are overcrowded or have too much light or heat in the brooder. In both young and older birds, nutritional deficiencies or inadequate waterer or feeder space may also be contributing factors. With laying birds, having a ratio of too many males to females can be a factor (1:8 is a good ratio). An injury of any sort may also start cannibalism. If a bird is injured, isolate it until the wound is completely healed. 19

20 Disease Overview Continued Mites and Lice Mites and lice are a serious problem for chickens. They crawl over the chicken s body, biting and sucking blood. Mites and lice cause great irritation to the bird, blood loss, weight loss, lowered egg production, and generally lower the birds resistance to disease. Mites can be seen by looking closely on the underside of a chicken, especially around the vent. They are brownish-red in colour and smaller than the size of a pin head. Some mites spend the day on the perches and in crevices in the building, crawling onto the chickens at night when they go to roost. Others live continuously on the birds. If things are crawling around in the litter or nesting boxes, they are probably mites. Lice are larger than mites. They spend their entire lives on the chicken s body. Their eggs stick to the feathers in clumps. There are a number of treatments available for both lice and mites. Worms Several types of worms may infest the intestinal tract of poultry. Birds with worms won t lay well, may appear weak, may have runny droppings and will lose weight (or not gain weight rapidly if young). Good sanitation between flocks, correct litter management and no contact with wild birds are the best control. When a worm problem does develop, the main concern is that the chickens are more susceptible to disease due to lowered resistance. If necessary, the birds can be treated through the water. Be sure to rule out any disease problem before treating for worms. Blackhead Blackhead is a disease that turkeys contract from chickens or wild birds. (Occasionally chickens and quail will get blackhead). It is rarely seen in housed flocks with no outside run. Symptoms include decreased appetite, watery and sulfur-coloured feces, and high mortality in young poults. If blackhead is a problem, providing medication for blackhead control is necessary and veterinary assistance is required. Medication is typically delivered through the water. 20

21 Chicken Tips When will my chickens lay? Pullets hatched very early in the spring may start laying in the fall, but won t reach peak production until the following spring. Hens are at their peak production from 1 to 2 years of age. A 4 to 5 year old chicken is old. Why are my hens not laying? Hens may stop laying for various reasons. Moving the hens to a new location, changing feed, or very hot or cold temperatures will cause temporary changes to the laying pattern. If the chickens are receiving commercially prepared laying pellets as their sole ration, their nutritional requirements for egg production will be met. However, if other grains are also being fed, the hens may be deficient in protein which will reduce egg production. Other causes may be an inadequate water supply, internal or external parasites, or disease. What is moulting? Moulting is the shedding and re-growth of feathers. It occurs once a year, usually in the autumn, and lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Egg production generally stops during a moult. Any major disturbance, such as very cold weather, lack of feed or water, or decreasing day length, can cause a moult. A moult will often occur naturally in hens after one year of lay. Older hens can also be forced to moult to increase production as the rest typically restarts the egg production curve with slightly lower daily production than a young, non-moulted flock. 21

22 How do I induce a moult? After about one year of lay, a hen s production will decrease. To increase egg production, a hen can be force moulted. After the moult, egg production will increase, although not to as high a level as the first production period. To induce a moult in low-producing hens, take away feed and water for one day. On the second day, replace the water. On the fourth or fifth day, replace the feed. After the moult, feed as a starting layer, repeating the feeding cycle. To induce a moult in lowproducing hens, take away feed and water for one day. On the second day, replace the water. On the fourth or fifth day, replace the feed. After the moult, feed as a starting layer, repeating the feeding cycle. How do I tell if a hen is laying? Laying hens have large, bright red combs; soft, deep abdomens; large moist vents; and a 3 to 4 finger space between the pubic bones (just in front of the vent on the underside of the chicken are two pointed pubic bones). The beaks and shanks will be light in colour. Non-layers have shrunken, dull combs and about 1 to 2 finger space between the pubic bones. The beaks and shanks will be yellow-coloured. 22

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24 For more information on ProForm products available, please talk to your local dealer or contact your Hi-Pro Feed Products sales representative proformfeed.ca