POULTRY
FEEDING GUIDE
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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?
How many birds should I buy?
How do I house them?
3
4
5
What feed should I buy?
5
ProForm Feeding Program
6
How much feeder and water space do I need?
Brooding Chickens
Meat Birds
Layers
9
11
11
Ducks and Geese
Turkeys
8
13
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.
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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 4.55.1 kg (10-11 Ibs) and mature females weigh 3.6-4.0 kg (8-9 Ibs).
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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 12-14 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
Chickens
Space
Bird/m2
Ft2/Bird
0-4 wks
22.0
0.5
Chickens
4-8 wks
11.8
1
Chickens
8-12 wks
7.2
1.5
Chickens
12-20 wks
5.4
2
Turkeys
0-8 wks
8.6
1.25
Turkeys
8-12 wks
7.2
1.5
Turkeys
18 wks on
2.7
4
Ducks
0-3 wks
9.8
1.1
Ducks
3-5 wks
5.7
1.9
Ducks
5 wks on
4.3
2.5
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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/m2 (15 ft2/ bird). This will keep the pen clean and will help to prevent fighting. For
overnight housing, allow about 1.1 bird/m2 (10 ft2/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.
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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)
50
21-35 Days
Poultry Grower Crumble (Medicated)
150
35 Days Market
Poultry Grower Crumble (Non-Medicated)
175
Laying Hens
Average Intake
(g/day)
0-42 Days
Poultry Starter Crumble (Medicated)
35
42-98 Days
Poultry Grower Crumble (Medicated)
65
98-126 Days or
First Egg
Poultry Grower Crumble
75
Production Period
(18-40 weeks)
All Purpose Layer Pellet
105
After 40 Weeks
of Age
Laying Pellets
115
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Turkeys
Average Intake
(g/day)
0-42 Days
Turkey and Game Bird Starter Crumble
(Medicated)
80
42-84 Days
Turkey and Game Bird Grower
Crumble (Medicated)
225
84 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
80
21 Days to Market
Turkey, Duck and Goose Pellet
250
Geese (Meat)
Average Intake
(g/day)
0-42 Days
Duck and Goose Starter Crumble
100
42 Days to Market
Turkey, Duck and Goose Pellet
275
Please note that product availability varies by region, contact your sales representative
for more information.
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How much feeder and water space
do I need?
This table will assist you in determining your feeder and water space
requirements.
Species
Age
Chicken
Space
Feeder/Bird
Water/Bird
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
16-29 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)
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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 60-90 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 32-35 °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.
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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).
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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 18-20 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 18-20
weeks of age (farm flocks that run loose may not start laying until 24 weeks of age). Floor
space should be 0.2-0.3 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.
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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 18-20 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 18-20 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.
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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 16-20 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.
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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 3537 °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 12-14 weeks (5 kg / 11 lb. market weight); heavy hens at 16-18
weeks (7 kg / 16 lb. market weight); heavy toms at 19-24 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.
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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.
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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
F
Behavioural
Cannibalism; feather pecking; hysteria
L
Blackhead
Contracted from chickens, wild birds or earthworms; decreased feed intake;
watery and yellowish feces; high mortality in poults
Tu
Breast
Blisters
Irritations of the keel bone; blister on the breast at the keel
M
Coccidiosis
Severe problem in young birds; blood in feces; sickly looking birds; high mortality
C
Flips
Sudden death syndrome; affected chickens are often found dead on their back
F
Leg
Problems
Lameness, limping, visible swelling at joints
M
Mites and
Lice
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
C
Marek’s
A virus causing high mortality
Y
Pasting Up
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
C
Respiratory
Problems
Gasping, wheezing, nasal discharge, and coughing, caused by virus, bacteria or
fungi
A
Worms
White, round worms in feces, lower productivity, inactive with ruffled feathers
and drooping wings
A
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Birds Affected
Fast growing broilers
What do I do?
Reduce birds growth rate by reducing day length, (ensure
good air quality)
Leghorn types
Beak-trim, reduce light intensity, don’t startle birds, don’t over
crowd
Turkeys
Avoid problem by not allowing turkeys contact with other
birds, medication is available
Meat type birds
Provide clean, dry litter, encourage walking
ality
Chicks in contact with feces
Feed medicated starter and grower feed, provide dry litter
ck
Fast growing chickens
Reduce birds growth rate by reducing day length
Meat type birds
Reduce birds growth rate reducing day length, cull birds
Chickens
Ensure the house is properly sanitized prior to birds entering,
minimize contact with older birds,mite and lice controlling
dusts or chemicals are available
/
en
Young chickens
Minimize contact with older birds, have chicks vaccinated at
hatchery
y
Chicks/poults
Pick off dried feces, minimize worm and disease threat
or
All poultry
Ensure good flock management to minimize disease threat,
water medication available
s
All poultry
Ensure good sanitation practices, water medication is
available
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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For more information on ProForm
products available, please talk to your local
dealer or contact your Hi-Pro Feed
Products sales representative.
1.800.663.2267
proformfeed.ca
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