AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Dear PP,

I would love sharing some insights on Poultry Feeding and Nutrition, but I guess the topic is so big and general to be productive in one thread since this forum handles all birds, big and small. Nonetheless, I just try to assist-in on specific questions like the one posted on this thread.

However, in general terms, some of the important things I have learned so far in this topic are the following:
1. In poultry raising, the 3 major aspects which determine your success, are chick/poult quality, feeds, and owners management. They are of equal importance and issues should be looked at in that perspective.
2. In feeds, the idea is to start your birds well and maintain later on thru necessary balanced nutrition. This means a good booster starter feeds to have a wonderful start in terms of livability, immunity, and body weight. More attention should be given to good feeds rather than medication. Later on, one should be monitoring the weekly weight gain and other specific-bird parameter (like egg production in layers, bird feathering, size, color, etc) in relation to what you are feeding your birds. Usually, standards on these parameters are available online, and the owner should try their best to attain them thru proper nutrition at any given age (it's a responsibility allright to be a bird owner ).
3. In feeding properly, make sure the feed texture is right for their age and feeds is readily accessible when necessary. I say necessary because there are some birds that can be fed adlibitum while some birds need to be rationed (or else they'll get obese).
4. etc (see, we are just talking of general terms and there are already a lot of things I can think off )

But more importantly, have a keen eye on what your birds are telling you, not thru words but thru their performance, because they do want to tell you something. One developes this eye in time but once you see what your birds need, and you act fast on it, you'll be fine .

Thanks for asking.

Dear Poultry Doc,

Thank you for joining this forum and thank you very much for taking the time to reply and for sharing your veterinarian experience and knowledege.

Animals are great therapy, they add meaning and balance to your life! Animals help you feel better and provide you with good company. They help you alleviate anxiety, depression and loneliness and bring you immense comfort. They love you unconditionally and are non judgemental accepting you for who you are. Chooks make great companions the elderly and people with disabilities, as socialising for these people can be very difficult and can lead to them feeling isolated. Chooks can also help you make friends and give you opportunities to socialise with other people with the same interest. Chooks get you active and out of the house for fresh air and exercise and interacting with chooks is much better for children than video games, television and the even the internet, not including APF! They help children develop their social skills and increase their self esteem. They teach children responsibility and empathy, as you have to care for them. They depend on you for food, fresh water, clean shelter and safety from predators every day!

I am a responsible bird owner that is why I have joined this forum so that I can learn as much as I can about poultry care and hope that one day I will also be able to offer help and advice.

Petite Poulet

Yes PP, you are perfectly right esp with regards to pets' effects on children. In addition to social skills and self esteem, pets do remain forever in their fondest memories if treated well.

Enjoy your journey in poultryland and just pop querries if you have some. And do share your enthusiasm and positive outlook with poultry and pets to everyone !

Thanks.

Would you ration out the amount of corn they should be eating each day?

Dear Showy,

It depends on many factors like:

1. Age of and type of birds
2. Diet you are giving
3. Weather conditions
4. Availability of feed materials
5. Health condition of bird
6. etc

Usually, birds have sets of nutrient requirements at any given age. I suggest you look at these for your own birds, and for the energy requirement, you can source this from corn, wheat or oils. So depending on the above factors, the corn component is adjusted accordingly. I hope I make sense to you.

Thanks.