Indio Gigante Care Sheet

 Feed and Supplements:

Chicks should be started on a high quality chick starter. I recommend Kalmbach 18% chick starter. Once they are out of the brooder, I switch them to a 16% Kalmbach Flock Maintainer and then to Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve once laying. IG will require additional supplements outside of normal feed. From 8 weeks old to 1 year old, they will need a calcium supplement three times a week. After 1 year old, supplement the calcium once a week. A large dog calcium supplement sprinkled on top of their regular feed is what’s needed. Oyster shell is not an adequate calcium supplement. They will also benefit from a weekly dose of Kickin’ Chicken or Rooster Booster. I also give my adults Ultra Cruz Bone and Egg Builder. If they do not get the appropriate calcium, they will get what is called wobbles which is where their upper body is too heavy for their legs to support.

IG grow very slowly but need those added supplements to thrive. They also eat a lot of food since they are so large. Make sure to also give lots of greens, fruits, and the occasional mealworm. 

Feeders and waterers will need to be elevated as the birds grow. You want them to extend instead of squat when eating and drinking. 

Exercise:

IG need lots of room and exercise to stay lean and strong. They benefit greatly from free range time. While they are big strong birds, they still need protection from predators. 

Other Info:

This is a high cull breed. Occasionally an incorrect comb will pop up or the birds will be too short. You will want to make sure that any chicks have a cushion or pea comb and not a straight comb. If they have the wrong comb, do not breed that bird. Your males should finish growing out to at least 100 cm (40 in) and the females to at least 85 cm (33 in). IG are measured by stretching the bird out and measuring from the tip of the beak to the end of the middle toe. These birds can take up to two years to fully mature. Don’t cull for height until they are fully mature unless it is very obvious they won’t reach the appropriate height. The colors also do not always breed true. They’ll be like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’ll get.