6 Chicks 7.5 weeks old. 1 roo, 4? pullets, and 1 GLW I'm completely unsure of

[Fred's Hens]

You'll notice the Purina Feed Chart suggests keeping them on Start N Grow until 18 weeks. Many, many people feed Starter until the first egg. Switching them to Grower at 8-10 weeks is an option. Something that "can" be done, but not something that "should" be done. People go about this stuff different ways.

 

[fluffpuffgerbil]

Yeah, I think I'll just keep them on the Starter until either I a) run out of it, or b) someone lays an egg. This first bag has lasted me 8 weeks so far and will run out soon since I'm having to refill the feeder at least once a day, and the next bag I expect will last either about that or less(less since they're eating more than when they were itty bitty). I rather just keep them on what I have until either first egg or I feel they need something else

 

[KieksterChicken]

Fred's Hens, when is a good time to start feeding veggies and greens and treats? I started mine out on that in addition to crumbles when they were 9-12 weeks and on along with grit. They seemed to do well. Calcium (oyster shell) I didn't start until they were about 5 months old to get them ready for laying..5 months was when I switched them to layer feed too. Good idea? And the layer crumbles info says it's a complete feed so no need to supplement anything...even crushed oyster shell...but I provide oyster shell anyways. That's what I did for my last batch of chicks anyways. Wondering if you think the oyster shell is overkill? And my flock doesn't free range..they have a nice size closed in run though.

 

[fluffpuffgerbil]

Soo..... looking at some pics of other 7-8week old GLW on here through the search, I'm thinking that Ruby is a female.

At 5 weeks old, people were saying this is a roo: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/864466/roo-or-pullet-glw-update-new-pics

At the same age, Ruby(mine) was a lot more feathered and doesn't have much of a comb:

So I'm thinking Ruby's a girl, which means we hopefully only have 1 roo!!

 

[mother o' chicks72]

Yeah, those all look like girls, except of course the obvious roo.

 

[subhanalah]

I find it interesting that on that "recommended feeding" chart, they state that all chickens should be on layer feed at 18 weeks old, but roosters should not be on layer feed and it can actually be detrimental to them. So what are they supposed to eat?

After my bag of chicken starter is out, I'm planning on getting the all flock/flock raiser and going with that.

 

[fluffpuffgerbil]

I'm not sure what age roosters are when they get big enough to 'harvest', but my mom works with people who eat their chickens, so we're going to end up seeing if they want him for dinner since that'll be his fate i'm sure no matter where he goes so I'll be able to have all mine on layer feed =)

But I'd assume you just give them all flock raiser and put oyster shells out so the females can get more calcium as they need it, though.

And I'm happy to hear we only got 1 boy, even though OF COURSE our FAVOURITE had to be a boy. I'll probably go buy a couple more RIRs at some point so we can have eggies from them, plus they're gorgeous(I really want New Hampshires though.... hmmm))

 

[subhanalah]

It has happened with every batch of chick's I've gotten so far, the boys are the favorites. But my husband changed his tune about keeping roosters, now he's on board and says I can keep how ever many I want hahaha
They sure have put a spell on him!
I believe the Butcher age for dual purpose breeds is 18-20 weeks. It would be nice if I could find a reliable place to send my cockerels. I'm afraid to just give (or sell them) to anyone, because you just never know with people.
Aaanyway. I have two chickens perched on me right now telling me it's time to go outside. So I better get, lol

 

[fluffpuffgerbil]

I really want to keep him, but my dad is like: NO WAy, NO CROWING,
and we have neighbors. I duno we'll see how long we keep him. =) It sucks because RIR and NHR roosters are my favourites as far as looks go

 

[subhanalah]

Maybe you could keep him inside at night and try a rooster collar to prevent him from crowing?