May 11
3
Ostrich Chick Feed Management
High standards of Feeding Management are essential in ostrich farming. The basic principles for all Ostrich are the same, but there some additional items that need to be considered for baby chicks.
Correct Rations Free From Manufacturing Errors: It is crucial that the total diet fed to the chicks is balanced and proven to meet all nutritional requirements of baby chicks. Ensure every batch of feed is mixed accurately, containing the same ingredients and aroma from batch to batch.
Feeding Rates: Feed little and often and watch the feed consumption carefully. Feed an amount that is just a little more than they normally would eat in a certain time span to encourage daily increased feed consumption.
Feeding Frequency: The best results are obtained from feeding 6 times per day, but under no circumstances should the chicks be fed less than 3 times per day in the early weeks.
Never Add Fresh Feed on Top of Old Feed: Feed consumption by chicks will slowly decline if old feed is left in the feeders and fresh feed poured on top of it. Always make it a practice to remove feed and clean the feeders on each feeding. Discard the old feed or feed it to other older birds. Never leave old feed under new fresh feed. The importance of this rule cannot be emphasized strongly enough.
Weigh the Fresh Feed IN and Weigh Old Feed Taken OUT: It is crucial to know the amount of feed actually consumed by a group of chicks every day. This consumption should be on a gradual increase each day. Feed consumption is a sign of progress and reduced consumption is an sign of potential sickness.
Water and Space: Chicks must have clean water available at all times. Ensure sufficient feed trough space for all chicks to eat at any one time.
Keep Feed Out of the Sunshine: Sun degrades feed very quickly – ensure feed is protected from sun, wind, rain and wild birds.
Water Too Hot or Too Cold: Water temperature is critical as it is an aid to chicks to controlling body temperature. It should not be too hot in summer or too cold in winter.
Do Not Feed Additional Items: Never feed the chicks extra treats like fruit, vegetables and so on. This upsets the “balanced diet”. If the chicks go off feed, there is a reason WHY. Find the reason and fix it rather than feeding them NEW things just to see if they eat it.
Alfalfa (lucerne) and Grass Grazing: Feeding fresh lucerne and/or grass introduces a number of variables that are difficult to control and can add additional stress on chicks.
Adding Minerals and Vitamins to Drinking Water: Adding these to drinking water is not advised for a number of reasons. Supplemented vitamins and minerals should be included in the feed in controlled amounts.
Summary: Feed Management is an art and an essential component to successful chick rearing in ostrich farming.
