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Layers essential diet

Comprehensive Guide to Layer Diet Essentials

Raising layers requires a well-structured feeding regimen to ensure optimal health and egg production. This guide provides an in-depth look at the dietary essentials for layers, from the starter phase to the laying phase.

Initial Feeding Phase: 0-9 Weeks

Feed Type: Shur-Gain Homestead Chick Starter Ration Medicated Crumbles

Feeding Schedule:

  • Frequency: Feed and water the pullets twice per day.
  • Full Feed: Ensure that feed is available to the pullets at all times. This is known as “full feed,” meaning the feed should always be in front of them.
  • Feed Freshness: Regularly check and replenish the feed to keep it fresh.
  • Water Access: Provide continuous access to clean, fresh water.

Nutritional Requirements:

  • Medicated Feed: Contains medication to prevent coccidiosis, a common parasitic disease in young chicks.
  • Feed Consumption: By the end of the 9-week period, pullets should be consuming approximately 9 kg of feed per 100 birds per day.

Technical Details:

  • Crude Protein: High protein content to support rapid growth and development.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Includes essential vitamins and minerals to promote strong immune systems and overall health.
  • Medication: The inclusion of medication helps protect against early-life diseases, ensuring a healthy start for the pullets.

Growth Phase: 9 Weeks to Lay (18-20 Weeks)

Feed Type: Shur-Gain Homestead Chick Grow/Finisher

Feeding Schedule:

  • Transition: After the initial 9 weeks, transition the pullets to Shur-Gain Homestead Chick Grow/Finisher.
  • Feeding Limitation: Limit the feed so that pullets are out of feed for 2 hours per day to prevent overfeeding.

Nutritional Requirements:

  • Growth Optimization: Formulated to support steady growth and muscle development.
  • Balanced Diet: Provides a balanced diet with the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth.

Technical Details:

  • Energy Content: Optimized energy content to support the metabolic needs of growing pullets.
  • Amino Acids: Includes essential amino acids to promote muscle development and overall growth.
  • Feed Efficiency: The formulation is designed to maximize feed efficiency, ensuring that the pullets convert feed into body mass effectively.

Laying Phase: 18-20 Weeks and Beyond

Feed Type: Shur-Gain Homestead Layer Ration

Feeding Schedule:

  • Transition: When the pullets begin their lay cycle or at 18 weeks of age, change the feed to Shur-Gain Homestead Layer Ration.
  • Free Choice Feed: The birds should be placed on free choice feed until they reach a minimum intake of 105 grams of feed per bird per day. Avoid intakes greater than 120 grams per bird per day to prevent fatty liver syndrome.

Nutritional Requirements:

  • Egg Production: Formulated to support optimal egg production and quality.
  • Balanced Diet: Provides a balanced diet with the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy laying hens.

Technical Details:

  • Calcium Content: High calcium content to support strong eggshell formation.
  • Energy Content: Optimized energy content to support the metabolic needs of laying hens.
  • Feed Efficiency: The formulation is designed to maximize feed efficiency, ensuring that the hens convert feed into egg production effectively.
Age Range
Feed Type
0-9 Weeks
Homestead Chick Starter Ration Medicated Crumbles
9-18 Weeks
Homestead Chick Grow/Finisher
18 Weeks and Beyond
Homestead Layer Ration

Best Practices for Feeding and Care

  1. Monitor Feed and Water Intake:
    • Regularly check the feed and water levels to ensure the chicks have continuous access.
    • Clean and refill water containers daily to prevent contamination.
  2. Maintain Cleanliness:
    • Keep the feeding area clean to prevent the spread of disease.
    • Remove any wet or soiled feed to maintain feed quality.
  3. Observe Pullet Behavior:
    • Monitor the chicks for any signs of illness or distress.
    • Ensure that all chicks are eating and drinking properly.
  4. Adjust Feeding as Needed:
    • As the chicks grow, their nutritional needs will change. Adjust the feed quantity and type accordingly.

By following this comprehensive guide to layer diet essentials, you’ll ensure your pullets grow into healthy, productive laying hens. Happy bird raising!

Feeds'n Needs Team