
19/08/2025
๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ง๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ข๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ด๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
Proper nutrition and feeding schedules are essential for healthy, productive layer chickens. Knowing when to switch your birds to layer feed and the best times of day to feed can maximize egg production and ensure strong eggshell formation.
When to Start Feeding Layer Feed:
Transition to layer feed at approximately 18 to 20 weeks of age, or when the hens start laying their first eggs. This is when they become sexually mature and require higher levels of calcium and other nutrients essential for eggshell production.
Avoid starting layer feed earlier than 16 weeks, as the excess calcium can harm young chickens' kidneys and interfere with their bone development.
Until then, provide grower or starter feed formulated for pullets (young hens) to support healthy growth.
Daily Feeding Schedule:
Feed your layer chickens twice a day, ideally providing fresh layer feed in the morning and evening.
The evening feeding is particularly important because laying hens do not eat overnight but require calcium for shell formation during this time.
Provide layer feed 4 to 6 hours before lights are turned off to ensure hens have enough calcium to produce strong eggshells overnight.
Feed Quality and Quantity:
Use quality layer feed with about 16-18% protein and at least 3.25% calcium to meet their nutritional needs.
Adult layers generally consume 100-130 grams of feed per day, which can vary based on breed and individual bird condition.
Always provide fresh, clean water throughout the day, as water intake is critical for feed digestion and egg production.
Additional Tips
If you feed treats, limit them to no more than 15% of total feed intake to avoid nutritional imbalance.
Provide free-choice access to grit, which aids in digestion.
Monitor your flock for changes in egg production or shell quality, which can signal nutritional deficiencies or other health issues.
By following these guidelines on timing and feeding practices, you can optimize your layer chickens' health and egg-laying performance, ensuring a productive and profitable flock.
Aba Organic Farm: Liberia Farmers Union