Sample Feeders & Drinkers

Feeders & Drinkers

What is this section instructing us about the need of bird feeders and drinkers?

Following on this example…

Feeders and drinkers are required for all poultry houses, this system is without exception.

As we said earlier, the total flock size which this farm hosts at capacity is 14,000 (10,000 layer birds, 2,000 grower birds and 2,000 brooders/chicks).

Each poultry house will require a distribution of feeders and drinkers which are of accessible quantity, positioning and height for birds to benefit.

How did we come up with the numbers quoted?

Simple.

Every manufacturer of feeders and drinkers quotes a specified number of birds, of a given age, that their equipment will accommodate.

Simply divide the total flock size of the farm by the recommended number of birds allowed per unit (...per feeder or drinker)

In our example:

• 14,000 (flock size) / 23 (birds per feeder) = 583 units (rounded up to 600 including breakages/replacements)
• 14,000 (flock size) / 60 (birds per feeder) = 233 units (rounded up to 240 including breakages/replacements)

The unit costs per feeder or drinker are also quoted.

Further reading:

• Practical Poultry Raising 6. Housing & Equipment – University of Walkato (The New Zealand Digital Library)