Milton
Why Your Birds Eat More but Grow Less — Shocking Truth!
When your chickens eat a lot but don’t grow well or don’t lay well, it means your Feed Conversion Ratio is poor.
Here’s why it happens and how to fix it quickly:
Major Reasons Your FCR Is Poor
- Low-Quality Feed
Feed with low protein or fake ingredients slows growth.
- Disease & Worms
Newcastle, coccidiosis, CRD, and internal worms reduce appetite and growth.
- Cold or Hot Weather Stress
Chickens use feed for body heat instead of growth.
- Overcrowding
Too many birds = fighting, low feeding space, poor growth.
- Dirty Water or Poor Water Supply
If water is not clean, chickens won’t eat well.
- Bad Lighting Program (Layers)
Poor light reduces feed intake and egg production.
✅ How to Improve FCR Quickly*
- Use High-Quality Feed
Choose feed with correct protein:
- Broilers: 22–24% (starter), 20% (finisher)
- Layers: 16–18%
- Deworm Every 4–6 Weeks
Worms steal nutrients → poor growth.
- Control Diseases Naturally & Medically
Give herbal boosters:
- Ginger + garlic + turmeric water
- Aloe vera for immunity
And vaccinate properly.
- Reduce Heat & Cold Stress
- Give shade and cross-ventilation.
- Provide glucose + electrolytes during heat.
- Give dry bedding during cold.
- Provide Clean Water Always
Chickens drink 2x more than they eat.
Dirty water = poor performance.
- Give Enough Space
- Broilers: 1 sq ft per bird
- Layers: 1.5–2 sq ft per hen
More space = better feeding.
- Boost With Calcium & Vitamins
Vitamin C, B-complex, E, and calcium improve feed use and growth.
