| BROODING AND FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DUAL PURPOSE NOTE: Please read Before Chicks Arrive. AFTER CHICKS ARRIVE HEAT TEMPERATURE SCHEDULE - Keep temperature at 89 - 91 F (31 - 33 C) at head level of the bird for the first week. Note: Temperatures above or below this range will adversely affect the growth and well being of the birds, - Reduce the temperature 5 F (3 C) per week until 70 F (21 C) is reached. - Infra red heat lamps are recommended, plan on 3 heat lamps per 100 chicks. - Lamps should se set 18" (46cm) above the floor for the first week and raised approx 3" (7.5cm) each week until 70 F (21 C) is obtained. - Chicks need to be kept warm and away from drafts. If chicks become chilled for a long period of timeit could lead to problems such as stunted growth, respiratory problems (ascites) or death. Danger Signs to Recognize: - Loud chirping means discomfort (hunger, thirst, cold, fear). - Cold chicks will huddle - Chicks that are too hot will pant and be listless. WATER - Provide 2 - 1gal (4.5L) waterers for each 100 chicks. - Clean fresh water is of the utmost importance. - Have waterers filled when chicks arrive at room temperature. - Water is a vital nutrient and makes up 60 - 70% of the chicken and is present in all cells. - Water regulates the birds body temperature. - We recommend only water available to the chicks for the first 2 -3 hours before feeding. - Add Super Booster at 1 tsp p/gal. for the first 5 days to give them a healthy start. - If your water is hard we also reccomend Medi-zone in the water. FEED - Chicks should be fed a 20% Fine Crumble Chick Starter for the first 6 weeks. NEVER dilute a starter with grains because the birds need all the vitamins and minerals provided in the starter. - Allow one inch of feeder space per bird. One 3' feeder can handle 75 chicks. Tip: Start chicks for the first three of days by using feeder tray or box lids aprox. 2' square with a 1" lip or use egg flats to put the feed in. This will be easier for the chicks to find and take to the food. - Once the chicks have taken to feed and water (about 1 week) move the feeders and waterer apart from each other a bit at a time until they are at opposite ends of brooding area. - After 6 weeks of age use a 16% chick grower or a poultry supplement (35 - 38% mixed with grains). Mixing guidlines are as follows: - If using a poultry supplement (35 - 38%), mix 1 part supplement to 4 parts cracked or chopped grains. - Recommended grain mixture is 60% wheat, 25% oats, and 15% barley. - Always add a poultry supplement. Note: Grains alone lack severel essential nurtients needed for steady growth and to maintain healthy birds. - You may use straight grain chop 1 week prior to butchering. - If not using grains use a 16% chick grower. This can be fed straight through until butchering. Do not dilute this with grains as this is a complete ration. - Provide grit from 3 - 4 weeks on, as free choice. - Oyster shell is recommended to strengthen bones and joints and egg shell quality. Cutting corners in any poultry growing program does not save money. More often than not it cost you $$$$$$$.. LIGHTING -Chicks do not require alot of light. If the light is too bright it can promote stress and lead to picking. - Have 24 hrs of dim light available for the first 4 - 5 days. - Cut back the time of dim light to 12 hours in a 24 hr period. - A straight 12 hours or intermittent time of dim light works fine as long as there is an equal 12 hrs of dim light and 12 hours of darkness. VENTILATION - Ventilation is important from the first day. It provides fresh air, it removes stale air, it controls temperature, it controls humidity, it removes dust, it regulates ammonia and carbon dioxide levels, as well as keeping the floor drier and the chicks healthier. |