Feed for my 12 Week old chicks

[Baileybunchx5]

I have 12 week old Chicks. I am having a hard time finding Chick starter/grower feed lately. 1. Is it ok to switch them to a layer feed crumble? 2. What brands does everyone prefer? 3. nearby for me I have the options of: Homestead brand, and also Poulin Grain. There is of course the tractor supply brands of: Purina, Dumor, and Nutrena.

Thank You

 

[dbounds10]

I have 12 week old Chicks. I am having a hard time finding Chick starter/grower feed lately. 1. Is it ok to switch them to a layer feed crumble? 2. What brands does everyone prefer? 3. nearby for me I have the options of: Homestead brand, and also Poulin Grain. There is of course the tractor supply brands of: Purina, Dumor, and Nutrena.

Thank You

At 12 weeks old they can go into an All Flock. Until they are laying, the don’t need the extra calcium and it could cause issues. Look for brands with All Flock in the name with a higher protein like 18-20%. They can actually stay on all flock even after they start laying as long as you provide oyster shell on the side in a different feeder.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

You can switch them to an all flock type feed, and have a container of oyster shell free choice when they get closer to laying. I like doing it this way because no matter what I have in my flock; rooster, chicks, hens, everyone gets what they need and there is no shuffling or separating to mess with.

 

[Bac2wild]

I would think you might want to put them on 18-20% all flock if the starter is not available.

 

[Baileybunchx5]

At 12 weeks old they can go into an All Flock. Until they are laying, the don’t need the extra calcium and it could cause issues. Look for brands with All Flock in the name with a higher protein like 18-20%. They can actually stay on all flock even after they start laying as long as you provide oyster shell on the side in a different feeder.

Any brand preferences? Just curious

 

[Brooks_]

Any brand preferences? Just curious

We all have preferences, but what you can get consistently that is fresh is a big factor. That said, Purina, Dumor, and Nutrena are all good feeds.

 

[dbounds10]

I am fese

Any brand preferences? Just curious

Researching now, mine are 10 weeks. Thinking of going with Kalmbach 20% but my local feed store doesn’t carry it so will have to pay a few extra bucks from Chewy online

 

[jmac11]

Any brand preferences? Just curious

I've been very happy with Nutrena. I'm feeding grower feed and all flock to different age groups right now. And as everyone else says, always offer grit and oyster shells.

 

[New Prepper]

We all have preferences, but what you can get consistently that is fresh is a big factor. That said, Purina, Dumor, and Nutrena are all good feeds.

If I put them out when the chicks are too young will if hurt them or will they just ignore it?

 

[Brooks_]

If I put them out when the chicks are too young will if hurt them or will they just ignore it?

Do you mean layer feed? Yes, if given too early, it will hurt them.