Exact baby bird food

KAYTEE Exact Handfeeding Baby Bird Food, 22-lb pail

By Kaytee

Rated 4.8571 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

Slide 1 of 5

Size

22-lb pail

7.5-oz bag

$9.37

18-oz jar

$16.99

5-lb bag

$28.70

22-lb pail

$124.99

Size

22-lb pail

7.5-oz bag

18-oz jar

5-lb bag

22-lb pail

$124.99Chewy Price

List:

Tooltip Available

List Price is the suggested retail price from a manufacturer, supplier, or other retailer. It may not necessarily reflect an actual price offered on our site or elsewhere.

$149.99Chewy Price

Save

$25.00

(17%)

$118.74Autoship Price

Autoship

(Save an extra 5%)

Choose Autoship at checkout for regular deliveries.

Why Autoship?

FREE access to chat with licensed vets 7 days a week.
Save 5% on all future Autoship orders.
No fees, no commitments - cancel Autoship anytime.

123456789101112

Quantity

In Stock

FREE 1-3 day shipping

Frequently Bought Together

This Item - Kaytee Exact Handfeeding Baby Bird Food, 22-lb pail

Rated 4.8571 out of 5 stars

Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

$124. 99Chewy Price

Deal

Quiko Classic Egg Food Supplement for Canaries & Finches, 1.1-lb bag

Rated 4.8077 out of 5 stars

Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

$7.99Chewy Price

Buy 3, Get 4th Free- Mix & Match

Versele-Laga Traditional Pigeon Food, 55-lb bag

Rated 4.5294 out of 5 stars

Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

$54.44Chewy Price

Total Price: $0.00

About This Item

A balanced, high- nutrient formula that helps babies grow faster, wean earlier and develop better plumage
Added probiotics are specially selected to encourage a healthy population of intestinal microorganisms
Made with Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy heart, brain and eye development
Digestive enzymes ensure proper digestion carbohydrates and proteins
A complete formula that does not require any other added vitamins or mineral supplements

Learn More About Kaytee From Our Team of Experts

Pet Lovers Also Bought

Deal
Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding High Fat Formula Baby Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Rated 4.8077 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
26
$29.95Chewy Price
$37.99List Price
$28.45Autoship Price
Autoship
Buy 3, Get 4th Free- Mix & Match
Wagner's Classic Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Rated 4.1266 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
395
$8.98Chewy Price
$8.53Autoship Price
Autoship
Kaytee Exact Rainbow Parakeet & Lovebird Food, 2-lb bag
Rated 3. 64 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
25
$11.99Chewy Price
$16.99List Price
$11.39Autoship Price
Autoship
Kaytee Fiesta Variety Mix Parakeet Food, 2-lb bag
Rated 4.338 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
71
$4. 59Chewy Price
$11.99List Price
$4.36Autoship Price
Autoship
Wagner's Deluxe Blend Wild Bird Food, 10-lb bag
Rated 4.4062 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
96
$14.99Chewy Price
$14.24Autoship Price
Autoship
Vitakraft Vita Smart Vitamin-Fortified Gourmet Conure Bird Food, 4-lb bag
Rated 4.2632 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
38
$13.99Chewy Price
$23.49List Price
$13.29Autoship Price
Autoship
Wagner's Nyjer Seed Premium Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Rated 4. 2628 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
137
$14.98Chewy Price
$14.23Autoship Price
Autoship
Wagner's Cardinal Blend Premium Wild Bird Food, 6-lb bag
Rated 4.5833 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
24
$11. 98Chewy Price
$11.38Autoship Price
Autoship
Deal
Kaytee Fiesta Big Bites Parrot Food, 4-lb bag
Rated 4.3016 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
63
$22.81Chewy Price
$25.99List Price
$21.67Autoship Price
Autoship
Buy 3, Get 4th Free- Mix & Match
Deal
Kaytee Fiesta Variety Mix Parrot Food, 25-lb bag
Rated 4.37 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
100
$74.99Chewy Price
$109.99List Price
$71.24Autoship Price
Autoship
Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
Kaytee Fiesta Variety Mix Macaw Food, 4. 5-lb bag
Rated 4.2759 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
29
$22.99Chewy Price
$28.99List Price
$21.84Autoship Price
Autoship
Wagner's Eastern Regional Blend Deluxe Wild Bird Food, 8-lb bag
Rated 4.1744 out of 5 stars
Filled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star
172
$11. 98Chewy Price
$11.38Autoship Price
Autoship

Compare Similar Items

Questions & Answers

Your Question

Your Nickname

20 Customer Questions

Is this a good food for baby pigeons?

Answer by

Chewy

•

Dec 16, 2020

This product is formulated for use with: Baby Parrots (including Parakeets, Lovebirds, Cockatiels, Conures, Cockatoos, Macaws, Amazons, African Greys, and other Psittacines) and Baby Passerines.

I have successfully used this on baby doves, chickens and finches as early as one day old, so what is in this baby bird food that makes it formulated for hookbills?

Answer by

Chewy

•

Oct 16, 2017

The Baby Formula contains probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes to ensure healthy digestion and a balanced, high- nutrient formula that helps babies grow faster, wean earlier and develop better plumage.

Is it good for baby sparrows

Answer by

Chewy

•

Jul 07, 2019

This food can be used with baby sparrows.

Is this formula good for parakeets? thx! :)

Answer by

Chewy

•

Oct 16, 2017

This formula will work for Parakeets.

4.9

Rated 4.8571 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

56 Reviews

96%

Would recommend to a friend

1.7857

8.9286

89.2857

89%

56 Customer Reviews

All Stars5 stars only4 stars only3 stars only2 stars only1 star onlyAll positiveAll critical

Filter By

Most relevantNewestTop contributorsFeatured reviewsOldestHighest ratingLowest ratingPhoto reviews

Sort By

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By Idunno on Jun 19, 2022

formula helpful for omnivores too

Rgregarding other reviews as to not for wild birds or, not for starlings… yes starlings need approx 33%. Protein, but add protein to this, or rather ,add This to protein , as it has the -biotics and enzymes that can help. Wit h any bird consider complete nutritional needs. And consider the specific situation, we don’t always have access to the exact ingredients we want. So we do our best with what we have available.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By Hanna on Jul 9, 2022

outdated item

Called the Chewy , about outdated product They said , they would take care of it . GOOD RESPOND !! All their products are always fresh , this was just an over sight would order from them again when i needed too . Good customer responds

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By Pakeer on Jan 15, 2022

Excellent product and service

Very good prices, easy to buy, high quality, and employees were very accommodating. I will be buying from here again if I can get a wholesale deal. If there is any wholesale deals available, let me know

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By Rhoneclem028 on Dec 22, 2021

If Mommy can't

If the parents aren't able to care for their babies this is the best way to go. I have used this formula for quite a few babies and they all have done great with this

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By Smitty on Sep 18, 2021

First experience a total success shopping rexexw5

I was so pleased when my order arrived so quickly. I had run out of food for my baby. I had traveled 40 miles to town to pick some up but stores were all out. I should have placed my order sooner!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By Sandee on Oct 19, 2021

I love shopping at Chewy

Can’t get a better price, great quality and very efficient with delivery.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By pigeonpete on Sep 11, 2021

Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula Baby Bird Food

Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula Baby Bird Food is the standard the business

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By Catwoman06 on Sep 8, 2021

Baby Bird Formula

Very good value.. Baby birds grow very fast and look very healthy on this food

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By MickeyNz on Jan 22, 2021

Not appropriate for ALL baby birds - Insectivorous or Omnivorous Wild birds.

Hi there, Baby Starlings & Sparrows need a baby diet high in animal protein. Yes as adults they also eat seed but to develop as nestlings & fledglings they need a diet 33% and higher in animal protein. Kaytee is only 22% protein and its from plants. Your rescue baby starling and sparrow needs more than that. Check back of cat or dog biscuits - first ingredient needs to be chicken and check the percentage of protein. Soak in hot water and mush it up completely like porridge so the baby doesn't have blockages in its corp when you feed it. Needs calcium and bird vitamins as well, not just protein but that will get you far!. I do recommend Kaytee for Pet Parrots etc and the ones that it mentions on the back of the package.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Empty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled starFilled star

By CBMorgan on Feb 13, 2021

No sugar added!

I haven’t used this yet, but it was the only hand feeding formula that has good mixing consistency (per reviews) that surprisingly does not contain added sugar! Though I have read many people complaining about Kaytee in general, their formula is as complete as you could hope for considering today’s pet-feeding standards, and is not grainy like Harrison’s, and a fraction of the price.

Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula for Baby Birds 18 oz

SKU

30848-1

$14.99 $14.99

Save % on your first AutoOrder

(No reviews yet) Write a Review

Kaytee

Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula for Baby Birds 18 oz

Rating Required Select Rating1 star (worst)2 stars3 stars (average)4 stars5 stars (best)

Name Required

Review Subject Required

Comments Required

Subscription

Delivery Options

Select a store

Home Delivery

Kaytee exact Hand Feeding Formula was one of the first "instant" formulas available and is one of the most researched and respected products used by professional breeders, veterinarians and conservation programs throughout the world. exact food's high-nutrient formula promotes growth, weaning, development and bright plumage. When used properly, exact food will support a healthy crop. exact Hand Feeding Formula contains probiotics to encourage a healthy population of intestinal microorganisms. The selected species have been chosen specifically for their vitality, stability, and overall benefits to a bird's system.

Balanced high-nutrient formula helps babies grow faster, wean earlier and develop stronger, brighter plumage
Kaytee® is a Veterinarian Recommended Brand
Contains probiotics to encourage a healthy population of intestinal microorganisms.
Digestive enzymes are included to ensure adequate digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. These enzymes offer a particular value to a newly hatched baby or in a bird experiencing digestive difficulties.
Exact Hand Feeding Formula has compatible tastes and ingredients with exact Conversion and exact Adult Daily Diets to help reduce digestive upsets during weaning
This product is formulated for use with: Baby Parrots (including Parakeets, Lovebirds, Cockatiels, Conures, Cockatoos, Macaws, Amazons, African Greys, and other Psittacines) & Baby Passerines.

Ground Corn, Ground Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Oat Groats, Wheat Middlings, Soybean Oil, Dried Whole Egg, Soy Protein Isolate, Dried Molasses Beet Pulp, Soybean Meal, Ground Flax Seed (Source of Omega-3), Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine, Wheat Germ Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamin A Supplement, Salt, L-Arginine, Fructooligosaccharide, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Yeast Extract, Propionic Acid (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K activity), Niacin, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid, Ethoxyquin (Preservative), Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cholecalciferol (Source of Vitamin D3), Folic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product.

16986

diet in the first days of life, chicken feed norms

The diet of chickens, especially small ones, is different from the diet of adult chickens. Many breeders who raise chickens in the household are interested in how and what to feed the chicks so that they develop properly. For healthy growth, chickens require a balanced diet in sufficient quantities. The composition of the products depends on the direction and age of the chicks.

Content:

What does healthy chicks eat?
General rules for formulating rations
What to feed chickens?
General rules for feeding
Feed for chickens of various ages
Feeding frequency
Feeding Features
Farmer's Councils

What does a healthy chicken diet consist of?

Sources of proteins, vitamins, micro and macro elements are products of plant and animal origin, as well as substances synthesized in the laboratory. For the production of finished formulations in the factory, only high-quality proven raw materials are used. In feed for laying hens and broilers are introduced:

amino acids,
vitamins,

minerals,

probiotics,
antioxidants,
prebiotics,
coccidiostats,
mold inhibitors.

It is quite difficult to independently calculate the proportions and mix the components thoroughly without the appropriate equipment.

General dietary guidelines

The terms of growing meat breeds are 1.5-2 months, laying hens - up to six months. During this time, the bird should gain weight of 2.5-3 kg. To accelerate the growth of muscle mass in broilers, it is recommended to use specialized feed. It fully meets the needs of the bird in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The composition and consumption of feed should be appropriate for the age of the chicks.

At 1-2 weeks of life, the foundation of the skeleton is laid in chickens, muscle mass increases at an average pace. At this time, it is necessary to introduce a sufficient amount of proteins, fiber, and mineral components into their diet.

In the growth phase, chickens are gaining weight intensively. They need as many amino acids and proteins as possible, which act as a building material for cells, as well as complex carbohydrates. The dose of vitamins and minerals received with food is increased.

At the finishing stage, the amount of carbohydrates is reduced so that the broilers gain more muscle mass, and not fat. At this stage, it is important to prevent weight loss. For these purposes, finishing compound feed is introduced into the diet.

What to feed chickens?

Cereals form the basis of the diet.

Corn	One of the most useful and nutritious ingredients. Corn is the leader among grains in terms of protein content, while it contains less fiber than other cereals. The product is easily digested and well absorbed.
oats	Source of many amino acids. It is considered a dietary product, but contains a lot of fiber. In large quantities, it causes blockage of the intestines, so its share in the composition of the feed does not exceed 20%. Oats are given in a purified form, completely removing the film from the grains. The size of the fraction depends on the age of the bird. Sifted oatmeal is usually added to prestarter formulations.
Wheat	Contains a large amount of vitamin E, B. Feed wheat is usually used in bird feed. The percentage can be up to 30%.
Rye	It is a source of a number of useful proteins, but contains too much mucus, which negatively affects the digestive system of chickens. It is added to some feeds in small quantities.
Barley	Practically not inferior to oats in useful properties, but also contains a lot of fiber. It is introduced into the composition only in a purified and sifted form.
Buckwheat	Despite the fact that the product contains components useful for poultry, it is rarely used. Basically, it is added to granulated feed, because. in loose form, chickens do not peck it.
Bran	Products of processing grain crops are introduced to increase the caloric content of the diet. By themselves, they have no nutritional value, so they are rarely used.

Peeled vegetables are used as succulent feed.

Potato	Improves poultry digestion, promotes the absorption of nutrients. It is introduced in boiled dehydrated form. In the process of preparing food, it is unacceptable to use green potatoes, since poisonous solanine has formed in them.
Beet	It normalizes the work of the intestines, prevents its blockage, provides the needs of chickens for vitamin B2, carotene, sugar. It can be given both fresh and boiled. The content of beets in the diet is about 15%.
Pumpkin	It contains a lot of vitamins and microelements. The product is added in an amount not exceeding 15% of the total volume.

Protein components provide the daily requirement for amino acids. Protein sources are also rich in vitamins and minerals. They can be of plant and animal origin. Amino acids are well absorbed by the body. Animal proteins are obtained from various types of flour:

fish. This product makes up to 8% of the diet, but is not used in broiler feed so that the meat does not have a specific smell;
bone. In terms of the amount of proteins, it is not inferior to cereals, and at the same time it is rich in fats (11%) and vitamins A and E. It is given to chickens from a month old;
blood. The product is rich in essential amino acids, but in high concentrations it provokes indigestion. Its share in the diet should not exceed 4%;
pen. This component is used as an available source of protein to balance the feed composition. It is added in small amounts (up to 2%).

Dairy products are also a source of well-digestible animal protein: cottage cheese or whey. Their inclusion in feed mixtures for laying hens increases the egg production and fertility of chickens.

Legumes are richest in vegetable proteins:

soy in terms of percentage and qualitative composition of proteins and amino acids is practically not inferior to products of animal origin, it also contains vitamins and minerals;
peas also provide protein requirements for poultry, although to a lesser extent; chickens do not eat it well because of the specific smell and taste, therefore, no more than 10% is introduced into the feed;
soybean and sunflower meal and cake are an inexpensive, highly digestible source of amino acids. In compositions for adult chickens, their share is 15-17%, for chickens and young animals - 10%.

General feeding rules

Each individual should consume approximately 15-30 g of food per day: how much depends on the breed, weight of the chicks, and the intensity of their development. In general, the amount of feed each time should be such that the young hens will eat it in 30 or 40 minutes. The remains must be removed from the feeders so as not to deteriorate, and the feeders themselves must be washed and dried.

If the chicks do not eat the feed given to them often, then its rate should be reduced. If, on the contrary, the food is eaten quickly, then it is desirable to increase its volume.

Feed for chickens of various ages

PC-2	Designed for chicks under 7 weeks old. It is produced in the form of finely ground grains, designed for an insufficiently unformed digestive system, easily digestible, contains all the useful trace elements.
PC-3	Balanced mix for young animals 8-20 weeks old. Promotes rapid growth and proper formation of the reproductive system. It is produced in the form of grains with medium-sized fractions.
PC-5	Designed for broiler chickens from 2 weeks to 1 month of age. It consists of a complex of easily digestible components that stimulate a set of muscle mass.
PC-6	It has similar characteristics, but is designed for broilers older than a month.

All types of feed can be divided into three groups:

carbohydrate	Protein	Vitamin
Promote accelerated growth and muscle mass gain. Their composition is dominated by cereals and vegetables. Chickens digest foods high in carbohydrates well, which cause a slowdown in metabolism and rapid weight gain. Such feeds are designed for broilers and increase the average carcass weight.	Such compound feeds are developed mainly for laying hens. A large amount of protein increases the productivity of the bird, improves the palatability of the eggs, and makes the shell stronger.	Strengthen the immune system, help to survive the winter period. Usually produced in the form of concentrates, which enrich the main diet.

According to the form of release, the compositions are of 2 types.

Loose ones consist of fine-grained components. The disadvantage of such compositions is that they are worse absorbed. The chicken chooses tasty crumbs from the feed, and the less appetizing ingredients are thrown away. As a result, the bird receives less nutrients. In addition, a lot of dust remains in the feeder. However, it is impossible to completely abandon loose compositions. Chickens in the first weeks of life are not able to swallow and digest large granules, therefore they can peck only small grains. For broilers, loose compound feed can be introduced into the diet from the first days of life, and for laying hens - from the second week. When using dry mixes, it is important to provide the hens with sufficient drinking water.

Expanded feed is produced by short-term heat treatment under high pressure. Nutrient mixtures are in the form of granules and contain liquid components in their composition. The advantages of expanded compositions include:

neutralization of pathogenic microflora (salmonella, E. coli) and mold spores due to exposure to high temperatures;
improved digestibility, since the bird cannot choose individual pieces.

However, when heated, some of the vitamins are destroyed.

Feeding frequency

The first time chickens are fed on the same day they are born. Then, until the age of 7 days, the chicks of meat breeds are fed 6-8 times a day, from the 2nd week of life - 6 times, from the 3rd - 4 times a day, by the age of one month, chickens are fed three times a day. Chicks of egg breeds up to 1.5 weeks are fed 5-6 times a day, and by the month they are gradually transferred to 3 meals a day.

When choosing a mixture, it is recommended to give preference to complete formulations. However, if the breeder has enough of his own food, you can limit yourself to concentrated additives to enrich it. Such compositions are marked with the QC marking. Concentrates for meat and egg-bearing breeds solve different problems:

for broilers	for laying hens
reduce the percentage of marriage in the livestock, increase the average daily weight gain, strengthen the skeleton, promote the growth of muscle tissue, not fat, improve the taste characteristics of meat	prevent joint deformities, prevent pen loss, increase the number and size of eggs, increase shell hardness, improves the nutritional quality of eggs, increase hatchability of chicks

It is unacceptable to use concentrates as the main feed, since an excess of nutrients is no less harmful than their deficiency. BVMB is introduced into the composition of the mash, taking into account the age of the chickens.

Feeding Features

1st day of life	Feeding of chickens of egg breeds begins immediately after they dry out. The first food for newborn chickens should be a hard-boiled egg. It is cut as small as possible so that the chicks can swallow small crumbs and roll it in semolina to prevent pieces from sticking to the paws and fluff. In the brooder where they are, they put a drinker with clean, boiled and cooled water. Newly hatched chicks are also fed boiled eggs under the brood hen.
2nd day	On the 2nd day, the chicks are already given a mash of eggs and homemade low-fat fresh cottage cheese (the ratio of ingredients is 1 to 1). The formula for feeding day-old chicks should be fresh and fed every 3 hours.
Week 1	From the 3rd day, chickens are fed with a more varied mixture of cottage cheese, boiled eggs, crumbly porridge from corn, oat or wheat chips (the share of cereals should be 65%). Finely chopped greens and boiled red carrots grated on a fine grater are added to them. You can give germinated grain or grass flour at the rate of 2-3 g per chicken per day. More than 5 g of such flour cannot be fed due to the high content of fiber in it. Separately, a little skimmed milk or yogurt is poured into the container; it is better not to add them to the mixers. Twice a week, a few crystals of potassium permanganate are added to the water so that it becomes slightly pink. Keep it in drinkers for no more than 0.5 hours, and then replace it with clean water. This protects chickens from stomach diseases. You can feed the chicks with special industrial compound feed for chickens from the first days of life. It is made up of products that are easily absorbed by the body of small chickens and fully satisfy all their needs.
2-4 weeks	From 1.5 weeks of life, a little sunflower or soybean meal (3-4% of the total food volume), chalk or shells, bone meal (5-7% of the feed amount or 2-3 g per 1 chick). Particles of top dressing should not be more than 1-2 mm. Very fine gravel or sand washed in water is placed in a separate container. After 10 days, eggs are removed from the diet, but other components are introduced, for example, root crops (boiled potatoes, etc.). Salt, rice, rye, wheat bran (up to 10%), herbal flour (6-10%) are introduced into the menu of two-week-old chickens. From 3 weeks old, chicks gradually begin to accustom themselves to whole grains.
1 month	At this age, the young are already quite strong, they can spend time walking, where they independently find greenery, seeds of various plants, worms and beetles. If the birds are in a closed aviary and cannot pluck the grass, then they need to be given it along with grain and vegetables. In general, the share of green grass in the diet of one-month-old young animals should be about 1/3 part, no less. Grain can be given both ground and whole: the birds are already able to peck it. It can be anything: wheat, barley, corn, oats, etc. At this age, legumes can also be fed: peas, chickpeas, small beans, etc. In addition to grain products, you can feed root crops, fresh or boiled, to monthly chickens, vegetables from the garden and their tops, kitchen waste of both plant and animal origin, bran, meal and cake, compound feed. From mineral additives - bone and fish meal, chalk or lime, shell rock, salt. In addition to food, young animals should always have clean water in drinking bowls and pebbles that the bird needs for normal digestion.

Chickens of meat breeds differ from egg breeds in that they need more complete proteins and vitamins, so their diet should be tailored to this feature. Therefore, it is necessary to give more protein feed, such as legumes (grains and green mass), meat and bone and fish meal, fresh kitchen waste. It should also be borne in mind that they eat more, so they need to be fed more often, especially in the first days of life.

Farmer's councils

When changing nutrition, the sensitivity of chickens to changes in composition should be taken into account. For this reason, birds should be transferred to a different diet gradually, over 3-5 days, daily adding new food to the usual food, gradually increasing its amount.

There should always be fresh water in the drinker, in which a little potassium permanganate is diluted - so much so that the liquid does not turn pink.

It is advisable to mix common salt (up to 5 g per 1 kg of the mixture) and ground egg shells into the feed.

The main disadvantage of self-prepared mixtures is the fragility of their storage. In contrast, prepared feed can be left in the feeder for as long as the chicks need to saturate.

In our company, you purchase safe, certified mixtures with high nutritional value. Products exceed the requirements of GOSTs in quality. At your request, it is possible to develop an individual recipe for specific chicken breeds.

The MEGAMIX company cooperates with a network of dealers in Moscow and regions. You can clarify the terms of the order and delivery by phone +7 (8442) 97-97-97 or on our website.

Free consultation

Ask a question to a specialist or order a price list

Telephone

Comment

09.11.2020

How to feed chickens from the first days of life to adulthood at home?

Important factors when choosing a feed for chickens should be its completeness and nutritional value, but at the same time it should be easy to digest.

Chicks need to be fed enough, there should always be food in the chick feeder. Chickens should not be given coarse, hard-to-digest food. For each age there is a special compound feed. The ration must be correct.

Must include:

Carbohydrates. They are mostly found in grain feed. The bird consumes carbohydrates when moving, and the rest is deposited as fat.
Protein. The most important component of chick growth. Chicken meat itself is 20% protein. In order to provide birds with this microelement, in addition to grain, it is necessary to give boiled meat leftovers, lentils, cake.
Fats. Chicken feed is rich in fat. Separate fats should not be given, this can lead to problems with digestion.
- Vitamins. Do not forget about vitamins. Without them, normal growth and development of chickens is impossible. Insufficient amount of vitamins can lead to beriberi. Avitaminosis disrupts metabolism, and the bird becomes vulnerable to many diseases.
- Vitamin A is found in large quantities in carrots, greens, fish, and dairy products. If the chicks are in a closed space, it is necessary to include fresh grass (dandelion, quinoa) in the diet, approximately 30 grams per chick.
- Vitamin B. Found in yeast, sprouted grains.
- Vitamin D. A vitamin obtained from sunlight. Very important for the prevention of rickets, and for the formation of eggshells. The bird can be fed with fish oil (from 3 to 10 grams per day) and yeast irradiated in the sun.
- Vitamin E. Very important in the metabolic process. Found in legumes and wheat germ.

Contents:Display

Healthy diet and feed intake for chicks
What to feed chicks?
- newborns
- Weekly
- two-week
- Monthly
- Three-month
Feature features
- Chickens
- Brailers
9007

Healthy diet and feed consumption norms for chickens

A diet is usually called a daily set of feed (calculated per head in grams).

Daily diet should include: grains, protein foods + vitamins and minerals.

Chicks must have access to water at all times and be careful not to get wet or the chicks may get sick. The drinker and feeder should be located in a warm, bright place.

Week-old chicks should be given boiled water at 30 degrees, then gradually reduce the temperature, by the age of three weeks the drinking temperature should be 18 degrees.

Vitamins and amino acids can be mixed into the water of chickens, and antibiotics in case of diseases.

Feed intake rates are clearly shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Age in weeks	Feed consumption in grams for:
	Evacular rocks			of meat rocks
	per day	per week	only	per day	only
42	42
2	12	84	119	14
20	140	259	22	154	294
4	28	196	455	30	210	504
5	35	245	700	40	280	784
6	43		1000	9000 9000 005 1134
7	50	350
	420	1554
8	57
1749 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000
9,0006	65	455	2204	75	525	2565
10
82	574	3139
11	75	525	3219	87	609	3748
12	80	560	3779	85	665	4413

What to feed chickens?

Newborns

As you know, the first food for a chicken is provided in the egg . Before hatching, he eats the rest of the yolk, so there is no particular need to immediately feed newborn babies. Let them dry and rest for a while.

The first feeding should take place no later than 12-16 hours after hatching. According to statistics, the survival and viability of chicks fed in the first 16 hours is significantly higher than chickens that were not fed at all for the first day.

The optimal diet for chicks in the first week of life is every 2 hours, including at night. By the end of the week, feed should be reduced to 7-8 times a day. Make sure that the feeder is always full, rinse it with boiled water.

There are a lot of disagreements and disputes about the first food. The fact is that for many years, crushed boiled yolk was considered the optimal food after hatching. But recent discoveries have found it too fatty for the delicate stomachs of chicks. In view of this, is now considered to be the best first feed - corn grits .

Afterwards, babies can be given hard-boiled yolk mixed with semolina (so as not to stick together), starter feed, boiled and finely chopped nettle greens. On the third - fourth day, you can diversify the diet by adding wheat and barley groats, grated boiled potatoes and carrots, chopped green onions.

Chickens should be given yogurt to drink or finely crumbled cottage cheese, because chicks need calcium. Some poultry farmers mix linex or bifidumbacterin into the water of chickens to maintain the intestinal microflora.

In the first week, be sure to check the stomachs of the chicks before going to bed. Feed those who have them empty separately.

Week-old

Week-old chicks are fed with a mix of corn, barley, wheat and oatmeal (or compound feed for chickens) + grass, vegetables (potatoes and carrots) and fermented milk products. The number of feedings per day is at least 7 times. At a week old, chicks should be given a weak solution of potassium permanganate 3 times a week to prevent infections.

Two-week-old

Already grown chicks can be added to the diet of soaked bread (mixed into cereals), boiled fish. Remember to keep the food in the feeders fresh, always give the chicks as much food as they will eat at a time so that they do not trample it. Compound feed can already be slowly replaced with bran. The number of feedings of two-week-old chickens is 6-7 times a day.

Monthly

Month old chicks can already be allowed outside, so fresh greens are considered an integral part of their diet. At this age, young animals can be given a little coarse grain, and by one and a half months - whole.

We also continue to feed the birds with vegetables and vegetable waste, fermented milk products and cereals. You can give low-fat meat waste (boiled). Chicks should have a separate feeder filled with gravel, sand, or crushed eggshells.

Earthworms should not be given to chicks, even though they love them very much. From such food, chickens can become infected with helminths and even die.

Three-month-olds

From the age of three months, chicks are already switched to adult hens, but the young should be fed more densely and more often.

The main food continues to be grain, but the birds will not refuse table scraps either. It can be: bread crusts, leftover meat, fish, etc.

If the young animals do not grow greenery in the paddock, you need to give them fresh grass every day. Most often, hanging feeders are made for birds so that the greens do not get trampled.

For home raising chickens for beginners, it is best to use an incubator.

What is egg candling and how is it done? We talked about this in detail here.

You can find the recipe for chicken masher in our article.

Feeding considerations

Laying chicks

The first five days of life of future laying hens are fed in the same way as all chickens. From the fifth day, you can feed dry food. Before feeding with oatmeal or barley flour, it is necessary to weed out grain films, as chickens do not digest them well. There must be feed containing proteins and vitamins (sour-milk products, herbs, yeast, carrots, coniferous and grass flour).

Try to immediately accustom the bird to eating greens. This will help you avoid additional costs for vitamins and supplements in the future. After all, fresh herbs are a real pantry of vitamins.

Calcium is of particular importance for egg breeds, it is necessary for the correct formation of the shell. Feed the bird the same crushed eggshell, chalk, bone meal.

If the chicks are in an enclosed space, fish oil should be given to them from 5 days of age at 0.1-0.2 g per chick. It is advisable to mix fish oil with crushed grains, so it will feed faster.

At the age of one month, young hens should weigh 220-270, males 290g; at three months - 970-1000 and 1150; at the age of five months - 1600-1700 and 1900. Thus, weight should be controlled in order to select the strongest individuals. Table 2

Table 2

Feed	Chick age, days
	1-5	6-10	11-20	21-30	30-41	41-50
51-60
9000 4	7	11	18	28	38	45
Circles	-	0.2	0.5
9000 1 .5	2.0
Boiled potatoes	-	-	4.0	10	14	18
COMURE	4	4
Eggs in Cool	2	2	-	-	-	-
A fermented milk products	-	0.2	0. 4	0.5	0.8	0.9	0.9
Gray salt	-	0.05 0.05 0.05	0.05	0.08	0.1	0.1

That is why most poultry farmers prefer broilers. In two months, birds reach 1.4–1.6 kg of weight.

They are usually not reared for more than three months, because later they grow worse, and it becomes not so profitable to feed broilers.

Broiler chicks are usually given little space. They should not move much, their main task is to gain weight.

After hatching, the diet of broilers is almost the same as that of laying chicks, except that broiler chicks need to be fed more protein.

Compound feed should be introduced from the second day to 20 g. For the first two weeks, pre-start compound feed is better. It contains all the necessary elements for the growth and development of broiler babies. Starting feed is suitable from 14 days, and from a month the birds are transferred to the finish feed. Be sure to read the composition of the compound feed before buying, it should contain only natural ingredients.

Vitamins A, D2 and E must be introduced into the feed from day 5. Taking vitamins will help to avoid many diseases, including rickets. From ten days old, chopped carrots are added to the main feed in the amount of 5 g per head per day. From two weeks, you can replace a quarter of the grain with boiled potatoes, at this age they begin to slowly give fish and meat. Do not forget about dairy products.

Number of feedings per day: