2 The number one mistake: feed

Poultry have specific dietary needs. It’s easy to find the perfect feed, a balanced mix of protein, fat and carbohydrates, in bags at your local supermarket or feed supply store.

Poultry can survive on a low-quality diet, but it’s not going to get you good egg production or growth. Birds will be more prone to disease, and they’re not going to reach their full potential, in size or egg production.

Commercial poultry food might look boring, but dry, hard feed is what poultry are physically best suited to eat. Pellets are the best option for adults, as birds can pick out the bits of mash they like, leaving behind important nutrients like vitamin additives (a powder, added to feed).

Different aged birds have different requirements: Starter – specially formulated for chicks (0-6 weeks+), usually contains a cocciostat*, low in calcium (less than 1%) Grower – specially formulated for pullets (6-16 weeks), low in calcium Layer – specially formulated for laying hens (16 weeks+), high in calcium (approx. 4%) Meat – specially formulated for meat birds ( feed from day 1 until slaughter) *a medication to help prevent coccidiosis, an often-fatal disease

The average hen (eg, a 2kg brown Shaver or Hyline) will eat 100-120g of feed a day. Much smaller bantams will eat about 80g a day. An adult, heavy-breed hen (3kg) can eat around 180-200g.

Birds are mostly good at self-regulating their diet. Always have a balanced, good quality, nutritious feed on offer; a large flock will need multiple feeders. If a chicken gets too fat (most likely in heavy breeds), you may need to restrict their access to feed so they get 160-170g per day.

Water needs to be cold (keep it in a shady spot), fresh and clean, in a clean container.

Layer chicks can move from starter to grower at around 6-8 weeks or stay on starter until they are 16 weeks. Never give layer feed to birds under 16 weeks; the high calcium levels will lead to irreparable, often fatal, damage to the kidneys.