Poultry profit is decided by feed conversion. Feeding the right mash at the right stage keeps birds on their growth curve and protects laying persistency later.
The four feeding stages
- Chick mash — day 1 to week 8. High protein for frame and organ development.
- Growers mash — week 9 to week 18. Controlled growth to avoid over-fat pullets.
- Layers mash — week 19 onwards, or at first egg. Calcium-rich for shell strength.
- Kienyeji mash — for indigenous birds raised on a mixed free-range system.
When to switch to layers mash
Switch at point of lay — around 18 weeks or when the first eggs appear. Switching too early wastes calcium on birds that cannot use it; switching too late produces thin shells and early breakages.
Management basics that pay
- Feed at the same times each day and never let feeders run empty at peak lay.
- Provide clean water continuously — layers drink about twice the weight of feed eaten.
- Keep litter dry and ventilation steady to reduce respiratory losses.
- Store feed off the floor, in a dry room, and use within its shelf life.
Common questions
When should chicks move from chick mash to growers mash?
At about eight weeks of age. Transition gradually over five to seven days by mixing the two mashes to avoid a feed-intake dip.
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