How to change poultry feed
FEEDING
Joshua Onuche
6/29/20241 min read
Chickens, like most animals, are sensitive to sudden changes in their diet. An abrupt switch in feed can lead to digestive upset and stress, which can manifest as reduced egg production, lethargy, and even illness. Gradual transitions help their digestive systems adjust to the new feed components, ensuring they continue to thrive.
Here's a Step-by-Step Transition Process when changing the feed:
*Day 1:* 75% Old Feed, 25% New Feed
On the first day, mix 70% of the old feed with 30% of the new feed. This introduces your chickens to the new feed without overwhelming their digestive systems.
*Day 2:* 50% Old Feed, 50% New Feed
On the second day, balance the mix by using 50% of the old feed and 50% of the new feed. This increases their intake of the new feed while still providing the familiar old feed.
*Day 3:* 25% Old Feed, 75% New Feed
On the third day, reverse the initial ratio: use 30% of the old feed and 70% of the new feed. By now, your chickens should be more accustomed to the new feed.
*Day 4:* 100% New Feed
By the fourth day, your chickens should be ready to transition completely to the new feed. At this point, you can feed them 100% of the new feed.
Throughout the transition (Day 1 to Day 5), it’s beneficial to add multivitamins to their water or feed. Multivitamins help boost their immune systems and mitigate any potential stress from the diet change.