Between 6 and 8 weeks of age, your chicks will be much larger and will need twice the amount of floor space they started with.
It’s also time to start thinking about moving your chicks from the brooder to more permanent living quarters outside. If the temperature is mild and the chicks are fully feathered, they can be allowed outside during the day. If you purchased straight-run chicks (50/50 males and females) you may be able to distinguish the males from the females around 5 to 7 weeks of age. The combs and wattles of the males usually develop earlier and are usually (but not always) larger than in the females. Females are typically smaller in size than males. If you are still uncertain of their sex by appearance, you’ll be sure who the males in the flock are when you hear them attempting to crow.
Turkeys can start on Purina® Flock Raiser® at 8-10 weeks of age. Keep feeding this until market weight or laying age.
Laying pullets will need to receive a constant amount of light exposure once they reach 16 weeks of age to promote good egg production. For optimum egg production, a maximum of 17-18 hours of light (natural and/or artificial) per day is recommended. Gradually transition to Purina® Layena® Premium Poultry Feed or Purina®Organic Layer Feed at 18-20 weeks to support egg production.
TEMPORARILY DISCONTINUED DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK. WE WILL UPDATE YOU WHEN THEY RESUME – 3/18/2020
Kissimmee Valley Feed and All-Star Mutts are now hosting puppy training classes on Saturdays. Open to puppies between the ages of 8 and 20 weeks. Puppies must have proof of vaccinations and should arrive on a leash with a collar. Be sure to bring some of their favorite treats and an encouraging attitude!
The puppy training classes will focus on structured socialization, foundation behaviors, everyday life behaviors, confidence building, and making the vet visits fun.
Class times are from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturdays. The cost is $10 per class. Sign up at the feed store. Classes are inside Kissimmee Valley Feed Companion Animal Center and space will be limited. Don’t hesitate to reserve your spot!
To find out more information please call the store at 407-892-4040. Store address: Kissimmee Valley Feed, 215 13th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769.
Posted in News & Updates, Pet | No Comments »
Your babies are growing up!
By weeks four and five, you begin noticing that your chicks’ fluffy appearance slowly disappears and their fuzzy down is replaced with feathers of a mature bird. Chicks will usually be fully feathered by 5 to 6 weeks of age. You also observe their wattles and combs growing larger and taking on a deeper red color.
Your chicks require less heat as time goes by and they grow larger and more able to regulate their body temperature. Continue reducing the temperature each week to keep them comfortable to a minimum of 65°F. Continue to provide clean, fresh water each day. In addition, provide unlimited complete starter feed.
– Layer chicks, provide Purina® Start & Grow®.
– Meat birds, ducks and geese, provide Purina® Flock Raiser®.
– Organic chicks, provide Purina® Organic Starter-Grower.
– Turkey poults, provide Purina® Gamebird and Turkey Startena until week 8.
As your chicks grow, adjust the height of the feeders and waterers. A good rule of thumb is to keep them adjusted to the birds’ back height while standing. This will help to keep litter out of feeders and waterers, as well as curious chicks. Around 4 weeks of age, ducklings and goslings will thoroughly enjoy the addition of a swimming area. Be sure if you provide this to keep any resulting wet litter cleaned up. Because of their water-loving, messy nature, it is best to separate ducklings and goslings from chicks.
By Kent Tjardes
If you’re using a mineral form of fly control, like Wind and Rain Storm Fly Control Mineral, consistent intake is key. Calculate consumption to know if cattle are eating enough mineral to control the flies. Aim to hit the target intake listen on your feed tag. Target intake for loose mineral is two or four ounces per head per day if you are using either low salt or complete cattle mineral formula. Mineral tub target intake is six to eight ounces per head per day.
Remember, the active ingredient in Wind and Rain Storm Fly Control Mineral, Altosid IGR, only prevents hatching of new flies. It does not control existing flies. If you start using fly control mineral after flies are present, you’ll need other methods to combat adult flies. Work with your veterinarian or animal health supplier to find another method like spray or pour-on.