5 Weeks Old. Starter still or Grower?

[e72071]

Our chicks are now 5 1/2 weeks old and seem to be thriving. We are just about out of our medicated feed and need to buy more food. My question is should I keep them on the medicated starter or is it ok to progress to the grower food at this point?

 

[eggbert420]

You could start them on grower food. If its too big you can grind it up a bit. That's my opinion and I'm sure someone will say its wrong or whatever. Its really up to you.

 

[e72071]

I welcome all opinions. I have been introducing them to treats like kale, strawberries, apples and I give them chick grit. They do great with all of that so I know they can handle eating it. I just wasn't sure if there was too much of something in the grower that their bodies may not be ready for.

 

[eggbert420]

I always hatch about 20 chics. I buy 1 25lb bag of chick starter. When its gone they go on big girl food. I do not feed laying pellets unless they are laying. My son digs worms for them from day one. They love them. Also if they are not on dirt they may need a little grit to digest the grower feed. It usually takes about 4 to 5 weeks to go through 25lb bag for us.

 

[snow5164]

Having a variety of ages of chicks , I feed 20% protein grower to birds of all ages. Layers have oyster/ egg shells on the side .

Some may disagree, but I can't have a different coop for each stage of growth .............or could I???

 

[e72071]

That's actually a good idea with the mix. I think we'll get a smaller bag of the medicated feed and do a 1/2 and 1/2 ratio with grower. Once that medicated is gone I'll leave them on just the grower until they start laying.

 

[eggbert420]

Having a variety of ages of chicks , I feed 20% protein grower to birds of all ages. Layers have oyster/ egg shells on the side .

Some may disagree, but I can't have a different coop for each stage of growth .............or could I???

Depends on your wallet.

 

[snow5164]

Having a variety of ages of chicks , I feed 20% protein grower to birds of all ages. Layers have oyster/ egg shells on the side .

Some may disagree, but I can't have a different coop for each stage of growth .............or could I???

Depends on your wallet.

And your spouses patience

 

[e72071]

Our chicks finally outgrew the brooder we had so the hubby concocted a new one today. Almost 6 weeks old and they have their first condo.

 

[eggbert420]

Looking good.