Baby Basics - Raising Poultry - page 70

When feeding baby chicks, starter feed should contain at least 20 percent protein
(see Feeds, next page). Whether or not to use medicated starter will be discussed in
chapter 25 , Flock Health. Using the above sprinkling method is also a good way to rouse
chicks that have suffered too much stress from delays in the shipping process.
No matter what poultry species you are raising, be sure that the feed you offer is not
too large for the birds to eat. Feed that is too small can also be a problem, as they will
pick out the larger pieces and leave the fine dust, which may be where many of the vit-
amins and nutrients are. Crumbles, which resemble a crumbled cereal, are the best type
of feed to use, but ground feed can work just as well, depending upon how coarse or fine
the grind. Nutrients should be mixed in during the integrating process, which occurs at
the feed mill processing facility, so that you have a distinctly even mixture.
Feeds
Baby poultry have a higher nutritional requirement than do adults. It is best to not cut
corners on feed for young stock. Turkey poults, guineas, quail, pheasants, and other all
game birds need a crumble that is close to 28 percent protein, and crumble feed for
chicks should contain 23 percent protein. Ducks and geese can start out at 23 percent
but must be switched to a feed containing 15 percent protein when they are about three
weeks old and start showing wing feathers.
Many companies are now producing a one-size-fits-all sort of feed that can be fed to
any young poultry. This feed is probably okay, but when you try and shoot to the middle,
issues may arise. Species such as guineas, turkeys, and game birds that benefit from a
higher protein content, as well as ducks and geese, which need lower protein content,
probably will have trouble with a one-size-fits-all once they reach three to four weeks
old. More information about feed needs can be found in the species-specific chapters.
Medicated Additives
To medicate or not to medicate is a question you have to decide for yourself. Do you
want to raise your flock as naturally as possible, avoiding antibiotics and feed addit-
ives? Do you want to take precautions against disease and use medicated feed, risking
the vitality and immunity of the birds, or do you want to medicate only when a problem
arises? Perhaps you want to find a middle ground — being cautious about certain dis-
eases but careful to preserve the vitality of the breeds you raise?
Most often the medication included in feeds is a coccidiostat designed to curb cocci-
diosis in young fowl. This is a very serious condition discussed on page 376 , in Flock
Health. Other medications are included in some feeds. Read the label to be well aware
of what you are feeding, and check the label periodically to see if there are changes.