Feed Summary
- Hatchery Stage: No feed is necessary for 1 to 3 days.
- Brooding Stage (0-8 Weeks): Kawmix Premium Waterfowl 16%, Turkey Grower 20%, Meat Maker 22%, Turkey Starter 28%
- Growing Stage (9-16 Weeks): Kawmix Premium Waterfowl 16%, Chick Starter 18%, Turkey Grower 20%, Meat Maker 22%
- Adult Stage (Over 16 Weeks): Kawmix Premium Waterfowl 16%, Turkey Grower 20%, Meat Maker 22%
Poultry farming, a significant aspect of animal care, involves caring for, managing, and breeding domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. It encompasses a range of practices, including feeding, housing, health management, and breeding, to ensure the birds are healthy and productive. Proper poultry farming is not just important; it’s essential for optimizing egg and meat production, maintaining biosecurity, and ensuring the flock’s well-being. This field also focuses on sustainable and ethical farming practices, aiming to balance productivity with animal welfare.
Hatchery Stage
Eggs are incubated for 21 days without external feeding. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed Kawmix Chick Starter to meet their immediate post-hatch nutritional needs.
BROODING: 0-4 WKS
During the brooding stage, chicks are fed Kawmix Chick Starter, a high-protein feed that supports rapid growth and development. This feed is in granular form to make it easier for young chicks to consume. Essential vitamins and minerals are included to ensure proper bone development and overall health.
GROWING: 5-20 WKS
As the pullets grow, their diet transitions to Kawmix Chick Grower, containing 16% protein. This feed continues to support their growth while also preparing them for the transition to laying. The feed is formulated to promote strong bone development and healthy feathering. Adequate calcium and phosphorus are also included to support skeletal health. Once chicks have grown in 75% or more of their feathers, they have officially outgrown the chick phase and may be transitioned to cooler temperatures outside of the brooder.
LAYING: 21 WKS-5 YRS
When the pullets reach laying age, they are switched to Kawmix Layer feed. This feed is rich in calcium ( 3%) to support strong eggshell formation and contains about 16-20% protein. The feed also includes essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to maintain high productivity and overall health. The diet is carefully balanced to ensure that the hens receive all the nutrients necessary for consistent egg production.
MOLTING: ~ 1/YR
During the molting stage, feed intake is reduced, and Kawmix 20% Layer Feed or Kawmix 22% Meat Maker/Game Bird Feed may be provided. This feed has a higher protein content to support hens during the molting process. The diet helps the hens shed old feathers and regenerate new ones while giving their reproductive systems a rest.
POST-LAYING: 4+ YRS
After the peak laying period, hens may reduce laying to a fraction of the eggs laid during their prime laying years. The number of years a hen is in prime production is largely based on their breed and environmental factors. As hens begin to slow in laying, continue feeding Kawmix Layer Feed. Additionally, an increased amount of Kawmix Scratch Grains or Chicken Delight may be added to their maintenance diet. This diet provides a balanced nutrient profile that supports continued egg production, but at a lower rate than during the peak laying period. The calcium content remains high to support eggshell quality.
Clean water is always available throughout each stage, and feed formulations are adjusted based on the birds’ specific needs, environmental conditions, and overall management practices. The focus is on optimal growth, health, and welfare tailored to the birds’ particular purposes, whether for meat production, egg production, or display.