The diet of day-old chicks is one of the most important factors for their healthy and strong growth. In the first 24 hours after hatching, chicks do not need to be fed due to the presence of the yolk in their bodies. However, after this period, you should start feeding them. This requires sufficient knowledge and experience so that the chick can grow without any problems. In the following, we are going to talk about the best food for day-old chicken; stay with us.
The importance of proper nutrition for day-old chicks
Proper nutrition leads to rapid and uniform growth of chicks. The nutrients in the feed strengthen the chicks’ immune system and make them more resistant to diseases. Also, if these chicks later become laying hens, proper nutrition from birth leads to increased production of quality eggs.
Proper Care Conditions for Day-Old Chicks
- The suitable temperature for day-old chicks is around 32-35 degrees Celsius.
- The relative humidity of the environment should be around 65-70%. Light: Chicks need sufficient light. Use special brooder lamps.
- Each chick needs enough space to move and grow.
- The environment where the chicks are kept should always be clean and dry.
- Fresh and clean water and food should be provided to the chicks regularly.
Different Stages of Chick Feeding
- Starter: This feed is used for day-old chicks up to about 6-8 weeks of age.
- Grower: After the starter, grower feed is used. This feed contains less protein and energy than the starter.
- Layer: For laying hens, after the grower stage, layer feed is used, which contains more calcium for eggshell formation.
When to Change Chick Feed?
Typically, chicks need starter feed until they are 6-8 weeks old. After this age, grower feed can be used for them. Grower feed contains less protein and fat compared to the starter.
Preparation of homemade feed for day-old chicks
Why Homemade Feed? Some breeders prefer to prepare their chicks’ feed at home for various reasons, such as more precise control over the ingredients, ensuring the freshness of the ingredients, or saving money.
Ingredients for Homemade Chick Feed
Soybean meal: A rich source of protein for chick muscle growth.
Cornmeal: A source of energy and carbohydrates.
Wheat bran: A source of fiber and some vitamins. Dried bread crumbs: A source of carbohydrates and fiber.
Boiled egg powder: A source of high-quality protein and vitamins.
Other nutrients (optional): Bone meal, oyster shell flour, fishmeal, brewer’s yeast, and more.
How to Prepare Homemade Chick Feed
- Mixing ingredients: Mix all the ingredients in the appropriate ratio. The exact ratio of ingredients varies depending on different formulations, but soybean meal and cornmeal usually make up the largest proportion.
- Grinding: Grind the mixture well so that the particles are very fine and the chicks can easily eat it.
- Adding water: Add water to the ground mixture and form it into a dough. The dough should not be too stiff or too runny.
- Feeding the chicks: Place the prepared dough in a suitable container and make it available to the chicks.
Important Notes on Homemade Chick Feed
- Ensure the freshness of all ingredients used.
- In addition to feeding, providing clean and fresh water for chicks is also very important.
- The container used for preparing and storing the feed should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- If you want to switch from homemade feed to ready-made feed, do so gradually by mixing the two types of feed.
- Feed the chicks at regular intervals.
- As the chicks grow older, their nutritional needs change. Therefore, you should change the type of feed according to their age.
Common Diseases in Day-Old Chicks and Treatment Methods
Various diseases may threaten chicks. Some of the most common ones include:
Marek’s disease
A viral disease that causes paralysis and death in chicks. Vaccination is the best way to prevent this disease.
Newcastle disease
Another viral disease that causes symptoms such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, and head swelling. Vaccination and quarantine are the most important methods of controlling this disease.
Coccidiosis
A parasitic disease that causes bloody diarrhea in chicks. The use of anti-coccidial drugs is effective in treating this disease.
Bacterial infections
These infections are usually caused by poor sanitary conditions and can be treated with antibiotics.
Disease prevention methods
- Clean and disinfect the chicks’ living area regularly.
- The chicks’ living environment should have adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of ammonia and other harmful gases.
- Feeding with high-quality feed and clean water helps strengthen the chicks’ immune system.
- Vaccinate the chicks against various diseases according to the vaccination schedule.
- Quarantine new chicks for a few weeks before adding them to the flock.
The main differences in feeding day-old chicks versus older chicks
- Day-old chicks require more protein for muscle and tissue growth. Therefore, starter feed given to them is rich in protein. As chicks grow older, their protein needs decrease.
- Small chicks need a lot of energy to maintain body temperature and grow. For this reason, starter feed contains a significant amount of energy. As chicks get older, their energy needs decrease proportionally.
- Day-old chicks need all the essential vitamins and minerals for growth. These nutrients are present in sufficient amounts in starter feed.
- particle size of food in starter feed is very small so that chicks can easily eat it. As chicks get older, the size of the food particles also increases.
Reasons for the differences in feeding day-old chicks versus older chicks
- Rapid growth: Day-old chicks grow rapidly and require many nutrients.
- Digestive system development: The chicks’ digestive system develops with age and gains the ability to digest different foods.
- Varying needs: The nutritional needs of chicks vary at different stages of growth.
Conclusion
Overall, feeding chicks from the beginning is a complex process that requires attention and care. By choosing the right feed and following nutritional guidelines, you can help chicks grow healthy and strong. Proper nutrition leads to rapid growth, health, and increased egg production in hens in the future. It’s important to note that when changing the type of feed for day-old chicks, do so gradually so that the chicks’ digestive system can adjust to the changes.
Ala Sepahan Oil under the Lador brand is a producer of various powders, industrial oils and animal and poultry feed. Among the products of this company, we can mention fat powder 40-45%, bulk poultry oil, poultry oil, feed for ducks, quails and horses. Company Ladorfat can help you prepare one-day chicken feed. Contact our consultants for more information.
