What are the harms of starting chicks on feed too early or too late?
When raising chickens, although the management measures are relatively simple, there are still many key measures involved, and the timing requirements are also very strict. For example, starting chicks on feed is one of them. When starting chicks on feed, you must be sure to control the timing well. Too early or too late will cause great losses to the flock. So what are the harms of starting chicks on feed too early or too late? Below, the editor will give you a brief introduction. Let's take a look together!
1. Harm of starting feed too early
Starting chicks on feed is very important and directly affects the growth ability and production performance of chicks in the middle and later stages. Chicks must not be started on feed too early, because after hatching, it generally takes more than 36 hours before their digestive ability gradually develops. Many chicken farmers let chicks start eating less than a day after hatching, causing severe damage to the chicks' digestive system. As a result, chicks may experience indigestion, diarrhea, and other problems, and feed may even be excreted without being digested, which is very harmful to the growth of chicks. Therefore, they must absolutely not be started on feed too early.
2. Harm of starting feed too late
Starting chicks on feed too early is very harmful, but they must absolutely not be started on feed too late either. This is because after hatching, chicks usually move around on an empty stomach. Chicks also consume a large amount of energy when hatching, and they lose a relatively large amount of water. At this time, their bodies are also very weak. If the chicks are not started on feed in time, then their nutrition cannot be supplemented, leading to reduced growth ability and excessive thinness, which has a very large impact on subsequent growth. The probability of raising robust chicks will also decrease as a result, greatly reducing breeding benefits. Therefore, care must also be taken not to start them on feed too late.
3. Suitable time to start feed
Starting chicks on feed is the first time chicks are given feed. After learning about the harms of starting chicks on feed too early or too late, we must be sure to properly determine the suitable time to start chicks on feed. Generally, it should be 24 hours after hatching, when about 1/3 of the chicks show pecking behavior, then start feeding. Starting feed at this time can not only allow the chicks to fully absorb the residual yolk in their bodies, but also ensure that the chicks have sufficient rest in the brooding house, which is very beneficial to the growth and development of the chicks. About 3 hours before starting feed, the chicks should be given water first, which can better improve the effect of starting feed.
The above is a brief introduction to the harms of starting chicks on feed too early or too late. Starting chicks on feed too early or too late, whether raising broilers or laying hens, will have a great impact on their output. Therefore, the time for starting chicks on feed needs to be strictly controlled according to actual conditions to ensure that chicks start feed normally and grow healthily. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!