4 months old

[Matthew poulin]

We have never purchase chicks at 3 weeks. They are healthy and happy, now 4 months. When do we start adult chicken food? We are running out of chick food so wanted to make sure we transition at the right time. Thanks

 

[The Happster]

I give my birds layers pellets around the time they are likely to start laying. They get growers pellets before then.
The age yours are likely to start laying depends on the breed.
I also like to mix the food for a bit to get them slowly used to it, rather than suddenly changing their diet.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I would switch to a Layer feed when one of each breed/type pullet has laid an egg.
Offer Oyster Shells in a separate container after 16 weeks old. . So the early layers have the Calcium they need.

That said I don't feed a layer feed to my Chickens.
I like a feed with 18 to 20% Protein, because I give Scratch Grains as a treat daily, scattered in their pen.
My second Flock '22 months old' has never had a Layer feed.

I feed them a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% with Oyster Shells separately. I'll also feed an All-Flock crumble 20% if it's on sale or the Starter feed is sold out. GC

 

[The Happster]

That said I don't feed a layer feed to my Chickens.
I like a feed with 18 to 20% Protein, because I give Scratch Grains as a treat daily, scattered in their pen

I feed my chickens with (what I think is) scratch, daily...and layers pellets. Should I not be doing that?
It's a treat, but an overused treat, I suppose. They are free ranged.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I feed my chickens with (what I think is) scratch, daily...and layers pellets. Should I not be doing that?
It's a treat, but an overused treat, I suppose. They are free ranged.

I give Scratch Grains daily to my hens, 1 Tablespoon each chicken twice daily, scattered in their pen.

In the summer, I only give them one serving of Scratch mid-morning.
I replace the early afternoon Scratch with wet mash. Two Tablespoons dry for each hen mixed with equal parts cold water from the fridge, served in a shady spot. .
I've noticed with my first Flock of chickens that too much Scratch leads to thinner and mal-formed shells and can lead to feather picking if fed a Layer feed 16%. GC

 

[The Happster]

I don't measure how much I give them. I usually give a handful when I put them away, and throughout the day occasionally. Are there any other problems apart from feather picking/ thin egg shells?
As long as they are happy and healthy, I'm not worried about eggs, ect.