Many households raise chickens, and nowadays, there are many large-scale poultry farms in various regions. When raising chickens, there are many taboos to observe when feeding them in the morning. So, what are the three major taboos when feeding chickens in the morning? Let's find out.
Three Major Taboos When Feeding Chickens in the Morning
-
Overfeeding Corn in the Morning: Corn grains are appetizing for chickens. In the morning, chickens are usually hungry after digesting the food consumed the previous night. If they are fed with corn grains in the morning, they may quickly become full. Even if the chicken coop is opened for free-range feeding of protein-rich food, chickens that are already full may not be interested in moving or eating, which can lead to slow growth and issues like soft-shelled eggs in hens.
-
Avoid Feeding Chickens Late in the Morning During Summer: Chickens are highly sensitive to high temperatures, and the ideal temperature range for them is between 15°C and 23°C. When the temperature exceeds 25°C, heat stress may occur, causing a decrease in appetite and reduced food intake. Since summer mornings dawn early, feeding chickens late may result in decreased food consumption due to rising temperatures, leading to wasted feed. It's best to feed chickens 1-2 hours before sunrise when it's cooler.
-
Avoid Early Morning Feeding in Winter: Chickens are sensitive to both heat and cold. During cold seasons, chickens need to eat a large amount of food to stay warm. However, during long winter nights with shorter daylight hours, feeding chickens too early may limit their food intake as they are unable to see well in the dark. This can lead to contaminated feed being trampled upon and wasted, resulting in poor feeding and waste. It's advisable to delay feeding chickens in the morning during winter.
What else should be considered when feeding chickens?
-
Avoid Abrupt Feed Changes: Most commercial egg farmers commonly use complete feed rations. However, some individuals may abruptly change the feed without considering its impact. This can lead to decreased egg production as chickens are accustomed to their feed, and sudden changes can affect their appetite and egg production.
-
Avoid Frequent Clothing Changes When Feeding Chickens: Chickens can become accustomed to the presence of familiar clothing worn by feeders. If feeders frequently wear the same clothing, chickens may feel more comfortable and consume more feed, leading to increased egg production. However, if feeders frequently change into different colored clothing, chickens may become fearful and anxious, resulting in decreased feed intake.
Above are the three major taboos when feeding chickens in the morning. In summary, these aspects should be carefully considered during the chicken-raising process, especially during feeding.
