Re: Feeding young pullets

From: nuele (fowls_at_nuele-online.de)
Date: 06/20/04 

Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2004 10:59:18 +0200

Martyn <Bill@microsoft.com> wrote:

> "Stuart York" <stuartyork@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:oWwyc.71$u8.8@newsfe3-win.server.ntli.net...
> > Dear all
> >
> > I have just bought 6 light Sussex pullets. I was told they were point of
> > lay, but on receiving the birds they are clearly only about 12 -14 weeks
> > old.
> > Q1. Is the diet of ad-lib layers mash.....
>
> I would have thought that 'Layers Mash' is for birds that are laying.
> And 'Growers Pellets' are for birds that are growing !!
>
> Just a guess !
> But maybe 'Layers Mash' might be for birds that are 'going to' lay ?

No, you're right, "Layers" food is for laying hens, it is high in
protein to replace what the hen put into the egg.

Many breeders here feed their pullets special "pullet pellets" which are
lower in protein, to prevent them from starting to lay before their
organs are fully developed. My pullet food is recommended from 9 weeks
to POL, so yours would be within that range.

There is also a special "Growers" food here which is designed for meat
birds so they put on a lot of weight quickly. It is not what I would
feed future laying hens, though.

I have found Jill's suggestion very helpful: to make a telephone call to
the manufacturer - they told me everything I wanted to know: which food
for which age and type of bird, what ingredients they use etc. Have a
look on the label of your layers mash and give them a ring.

Nuele (D)

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