4 week old chicks; what to feed them?

[DeckDuck]

I'm picking up some four week old bantam chickies tomorrow.

They're a very neat cross between a Golden Sebright and a Duckwing Old English Game. I'm super excited but it has been years since I've cared for chicks; all of my chickens are adults. I would just consult the Storey's guide on this one but my chicken edition seems to be packed away somewhere. So I'll trouble all of you!

Tell me guys, what kind of food do I need to get for them? Can anyone tell me the specific protein content I should be looking for? Also, at which point should I transfer them to -what would be next, layer pellets? Everyone else around here is on layer pellets. Will they need any extra supplementation besides chick grit (and treats)?


And if anyone could answer these too, I'd like to know how long would it be appropriate to quarantine them before I let them hang out with my Silkies. Also, at what point might I expect a chicken of this type to be mature?


Thanks a bunch!

 

[Judy]

Here is an excellent article on quarantine and integrating flocks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

At 4 weeks i would feed starter or starter/grower. I don't know the ideal protein %, actually. I do know they need to stay away from layer until older, around 20 weeks or when they start laying, because the extra calcium can harm young organs, particularly kidneys. the "safe line" is usually felt to be aorund 12 or 14 weeks for starting layer. They shouldn't need any supplement, although if you read here a while, you will find that people add all sorts of things. Some of them, like electrolytes, can be overdone. Feeds are designed to be complete. Of course we are trusting the feed companies -- but it seems to work out for many people. I've never payed much attention to feed, I just buy what's available locally, then give BOSS as a treat (rather than scratch) because they like them so well and I figure they do no harm. (BOSS - black oil sunflower seeds.) Mine get table scraps erratically, and have access to pretty decent forage in their large yard, which bugs foolishly venture into, and grass makes sad attempts to get a toehold in, scattered under the bushy weeds which they don't eat.

 

[DeckDuck]

That is so helpful! Thank you, thank you! I have indeed read about quite a few supplement ideas since I joined this forum. They make me feel like experimenting with all sorts of plants and sprouts and bugs -and fermenting, Oh boy- but mine do so well with just a few hours in my weedy yard everyday (on top of the basics) that I haven't tried anything yet.

Would you believe that my Silkies wont eat sunflower seeds?

Perhaps these new guys will.

 

[DeckDuck]

It couldn't be helped. I had to share a picture.