- Nov 11, 2014
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Backyard flocks are beginning to go beyond chickens. Many of you also have other fun poultry, like ducks, turkeys, geese and guinea fowl. To develop a feeding program, outline the species of birds you have and their ages.
Making feed choices really comes down to the life stage of your birds and the main nutritional need of your flock. Each species – and many breeds within the species – will grow at different rates. This means their feed should be adjusted accordingly. For instance, coturnix quail may begin laying as early as six weeks of age, while some turkeys do not lay until 32 weeks (instead of the typical 28 weeks). Another example is calcium. While ducks, chickens and geese require 3.25% calcium, the calcium requirement for laying turkeys is 2.25%.
Following is a chart outlining feeding recommendations for ducks, geese, turkeys and mixed flocks. If you have additional questions about your specific flock, please post them in the comments and we will reply with feeding recommendations.
Making feed choices really comes down to the life stage of your birds and the main nutritional need of your flock. Each species – and many breeds within the species – will grow at different rates. This means their feed should be adjusted accordingly. For instance, coturnix quail may begin laying as early as six weeks of age, while some turkeys do not lay until 32 weeks (instead of the typical 28 weeks). Another example is calcium. While ducks, chickens and geese require 3.25% calcium, the calcium requirement for laying turkeys is 2.25%.
Following is a chart outlining feeding recommendations for ducks, geese, turkeys and mixed flocks. If you have additional questions about your specific flock, please post them in the comments and we will reply with feeding recommendations.
