What to Do When There’s No Wheat Pollard for Chicken Feed

Running short of wheat pollard for your poultry feed? Don’t worry, your flock doesn’t have to go hungry or undernourished. Wheat pollard is a valuable source of energy in poultry diets, but several effective and affordable alternatives can keep your chickens healthy and productive.

🌾 Alternatives to Wheat Pollard

Wheat pollard mainly provides energy and some protein for chickens. When it’s unavailable, you can substitute it with other cereal by-products or grains that serve a similar nutritional purpose. Some great alternatives include:

• Barley: A good energy source that can replace part of the wheat pollard in the diet.

• Maize germ or maize bran: Both provide digestible energy and fiber while being widely available and cost-effective.

• Whole maize seeds: Excellent for mature birds, as they support energy needs and help maintain healthy digestion.

• Wheat bran: Contains more fiber and less energy than pollard, but is still a useful supplement.

• Rice pollard: A nutrient-rich by-product that boosts energy and fat levels in poultry feed.

👉 Tip: Always balance these alternatives with appropriate protein sources (like soybean meal or fishmeal) to ensure your chickens get complete nutrition.

Reducing Dust in Poultry Bedding

Too much dust in your poultry house can cause respiratory problems and stress among chickens. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

1. Choose the right bedding:
   Use wood shavings instead of sawdust. Wood shavings are less dusty and safer for chicks, who might accidentally eat fine particles of sawdust.

2. Air out your litter before use:
   Spread out the bedding under the sun for a few hours before placing it in the poultry house. This helps reduce moisture and dust levels.

3. Avoid dampness:
   Keep the poultry house dry by ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding water spills. Damp litter encourages ammonia build-up and can make dust worse.

4. Turn the litter regularly:
   Fluff or turn the litter every few days to keep it dry and aerated. Regular turning helps maintain good hygiene and often eliminates the need to replace the litter before the end of the production cycle.

🐣 Final Thoughts

Even without wheat pollard, your poultry production can remain efficient and cost-effective by using suitable feed alternatives. Combine that with proper litter management, and you’ll maintain a healthy flock environment that supports growth, egg production, and overall bird welfare.