Poultry Management Tips

By Bill Karcher

Feeding the birds

·        Choose the feed designed for the bird

Turkeys = turkey feed

Broilers = broiler feed

Breed Types = pullet feed

Waterfowl = duck/goose feed

Gamebirds = gamebird feed

                        Follow the program recommended by the Company Nutritionist

·        Rules of Thumb for feeding growing birds;

Turkeys –       Turkey Starter to 12 weeks of age

            Turkey Grower to 2 weeks prior to show or market

            Turkey finisher last 2 weeks

                        Broilers -        Turkey Starter (2#/chick, will last until about 3 weeks old)

                                                Broiler feed or show chow until show or market

                        Breed Type -  Chick starter for 6 weeks

                                                Pullet grower/developer until the first egg is dropped

                                                Laying feed or Breeder feed

                        Waterfowl -     Duck/Goose Starter Pellets (2#/bird)

                                                Grower feed to show or market

                        Offer GRIT free choice to all birds

                                    Aids in digestion

                                    Improves absorption of nutrients

                                    Satisfies the bird, reduces picking

                        Offer OYSTER SHELLS to all adult laying birds

                                    Improves Calcium availability for;

                                                            Egg Shells

                                                            Bone Maintenance

            NOTE –          Coccidiostats are not considered medication & does not

have a “withdrawal time”.  Example – Amprolium