FEEDING PULLET INTO LAYER AND MAINTAINING LAYERS PULLETS

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FEEDING PULLET INTO LAYER AND MAINTAINING LAYERS
             PULLETS

1. Feed pullets the same as the chicken broiler program but limit the feed so that the pullets are out of feed for 2 hours per day
   
2. After 6 weeks, begin to monitor the pullet weight.  It is recommended that a random sample of the birds be weighted every 2 weeks.  Compare the weight to the breed standard weight.  If the pullets are heavier than recommended, reduce the amount of feed.  If the birds are light, increase the amount of feed.  The breed standard information is available from the hatchery. 
   
3. It is important to follow the lighting program recommended by the hatchery.
   
4. When the birds begin their lay cycle, change the feed to Homestead Layer Ration.
   

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             LAYERS
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1. Pullets must be stimulated with light to begin their lay cycle.  It is important that you continue to follow the lighting program recommended by the hatchery.  Never reduce the hours of light per day once the flock is in production.
   
2. Provide Homestead Layer Ration to pullets beginning at 18 weeks of age.  The birds should be put on free choice feed intake until they reach a minimum intake of 105 grams of feed per bird per day.  Intakes greater than 120 grams per bird per day should be avoided as this can lead to fatty liver syndrome.
   
3. Ensure that the birds have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
   
4. In some situations in late lay, you may observe a reduction in the quality of the eggshell with an increased percentage of cracked eggs.  It is advantageous to top dress oystershell as a calcium source at this time.  Top dress at a rate of 1.8 grams per bird per day or feed separately in floor operations.
   

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          FEEDING SCHEDULE
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• Homestead Poultry Starter/Grower                                               0-4 weeks
  
• 50/50 mixture Homestead Starter/Grower & Grower Finisher       4-6 weeks
  
• Homestead Poultry Grower/Finisher                                           6-18 weeks 
  
• Homestead Layer Ration                                           18 weeks to end of lay
  

• In some situations young turkeys may begin feather pulling or even become cannibalistic.  These habits are usually brought on by stresses such as crowding over heating, lack of feeder space, mixing of different age groups or other management factors.  These habits can be controlled by having the birds debeaked at the hatchery.After 6 weeks, the turkey should be fed Homestead Turkey-Grower (Medicated) .  Increase the pen area to 5.0 meters square per 100 birds.  Double the waterer capacity and the feeder space.When the turkeys are 12 weeks of age, change the feed to Homestead Turkey Finisher.  Keep the turkeys on this feed until market weight is achieved.Turkeys can me grown to various market weights.  Turkey broilers usually weight over 5 kg and take 11 weeks to achieve this weight.  Heavy tom turkeys can be gron to weights of 14 kg in 18 weeks while heavy hens reach a market weight of about 7.3 kg in under 13.5 weeks.  The Homestead turkey program can be used to grow all the various market weights of turkeys.

       Homestead Turkey Feeds

Shur-Gain Homestead Turkey Starter, Grower and Finisher have been specifically formulated for turkeys that are raised in small turkey flocks.

1. Derived from Shur-Gain's commercial turkey programs, the Homestead turkey programhas been designed to provide small flock owners with high quality, economical rations and a simplified feeding schedule.Provides nutritionallly balanced diet for turkeys from start to finish.Contains balanced calcium and phosphorus levels to promote good leg strength.Supplemented with fat-soluble vitamins, B-complex vitamins and trace minerals for optimal growth and performance.Homestead Turkey Starter and Turkey Grower are medicated to give the birds protection against blackhead (Histomoniasis), an acute protozoan disease that can have devastating effects in a turkey flock.

       Feeding Schedule:  

• Homestead Turkey Starter                                                         0-6 WeeksHomestead Turkey Grower                                                       6-12 WeeksHomestead Turkey Finisher                                        12 Weeks to Markethttp://www.rooneyfeeds.com/NewEquis/poultrys/care%20and%20feeding/instrlayers.html