A poultry feeding schedule outlines a flock’s nutritional requirements needed to achieve good health and productivity. Essentially, this specifies the type and amount of feed to be fed to a flock by age.
There are three general poultry feeding schedules, tailor made for specific flock types. These are:
- Layers feeding schedule
- Broilers feeding schedule
- Mixed flock feeding schedule
You can obtain a feeding schedule for your flock from a flock supplier. Additionally, you can get one from a certified poultry vet.
Using an incorrect poultry deeding schedule will result in malnutrition and low productivity. Consequently, your flock can become diseased, or suffer high mortality.
What is a poultry feeding schedule
A poultry feeding schedule is basically a timetable that details how a specific flock type is to be fed throughout its lifetime.
Usually, poultry feeding schedules are applicable to commercial flocks. This is because such flocks have set growth and productivity benchmarks which must be achieved for sustainable farming.
In a nutshell, a poultry schedule specifies the following:
- Type of feed by age
- Amount of feed per bird per day
Furthermore, poultry feeding schedule can be tailor made by poultry breed, in addition to flock type. For instance, a feeding schedule for a heritage mixed flock will differ from that of a commercial broiler flock.
| Broiler feeding schedule | Layers feeding schedule | |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Week 1 – 3 | Week 1 – 6 |
| Grower | Week 7 – 17 | |
| Finisher | Week 4 – 6 | |
| Layer | Week 18 – 85 | |
Even though we outline poultry feeding schedule by week, is some cases, these outlines are done by day.
Poultry feeding schedules may not be applicable to pasture raised and finished chicken, or backyard chicken.
Feed formulas
Furthermore, special feed formulas are used to create each feed type to ensure that the feed provide essential nutrients at each stage. Additionally still, starter feeds for a layer flock is different from that of a broiler flock. Respectively, different feed formulas are used.
Feed type switching
When switching your flock from one feed type to another, you should do it gradually. This is because gradual switching ensures a smooth transition and prevents birds from becoming stressed.
For instance, let’s say you are switching a broiler flock from starter to finisher in week 4. You can start mixing finisher feed with starter already in week 3. Firstly, by introducing a small amount of finisher, then increasing it reducing start feed. Finally, by mid week 4, you should be able to switch your birds completely to finisher.
3 Types of poultry feeding schedule
The following feeding schedules necessarily apply to commercial poultry farming. Pasture raised and finished flocks as well as backyard farmers may opt for custom feeding schedules.
Broiler feeding schedule
A broiler feeding schedule usually contains 2 feedings; a starter and finisher. It is important to note that a broiler feeding schedule is specific to a breed. Generally, if you use a generic schedule you will not have desired outcomes.
Broiler feeding schedule typically consists of starter and finisher feed types. Optionally, some broiler breeds have grower feeds in their feeding schedule. However, in most cases, they switch from starter feeds to finisher.
| Feed type | Time / age | Amount / bird / day |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Week 1 – 3 | 90 – 120g |
| Finisher | Week 4 – 6 | 180 – 200 g |
Finally, as a broiler flock nears maturation, it is switched to finisher feed type that is tailored for optimal mass gain and maintenance.
Layers feeding schedule
Typically, layers feeding schedule consist of 3 feed types namely: starter, grower and layer. These can be named differently depending by country or region.
Each of these feed types are specially tailored to the nutritional needs of your layers birds by age.
Each of the layers feed types is optimized for the nutrition needs of the by age. For instance, layers are specially made for maximized egg production.
| Feed type | Time / age | Amount / bird / day |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Week 1 – 3 | 60 – 90 g |
| Grower | Week 7 – 17 | 90 – 120 g |
| Layer | Week 18 – 85 | 120 – 150 g |
Mixed flock feeding schedule
You can obtain feeding schedules specially made for mixed or dual purpose flocks. These however, are tailored by poultry breed and may not be generically applicable to all mixed flocks.
For optimal outcomes, consult with your flock supplier. Additionally, you may consult with a certified poultry vet to ensure that your feeding schedule is appropriate.
Other uses of poultry feeding schedule
There are additional uses that you can put a poultry feeding schedule to.
For starters, you can use a poultry feeding schedule as a basis for flock records. This you can refer to for flock feeding activity reference.
Additionally, you can use a poultry feeding schedule as a basis for calculating feed conversion ratio. Lastly but not least, you can use a feeding schedule to track weight gain, since some feeding schedule do specify expected weight by feeding regimen.
Key takeaways
- For best outcomes, follow your flock’s feeding schedule as prescribed
- If you make your own poultry feed, use approved feed formulas to ensure high quality and nutritionally rich feeds
- Consult with your flock supplier or certified vet if unsure about feeding schedule
- If you buy poultry feed, ensure it is high quality and meets all nutritional requirements
- Gradually switch your flock from one feed type to the other, not immediately
- Switching feed types gradually ensures your flock does not become stressed
- Following a poultry feeding schedule is core to flock health and productivity