8 Weeks: Buy more chick starter, or move to grower feed?

[AppleMomma65]

My chicks are 8 weeks old and I have about 5lbs left of a 50 lb bag of chick starter. I've read differing opinions on when to move from chick starter and begin growth feed. Some say 8 weeks, some say 10. I really don't really want to buy another 50 lb bag, the next size at TSC is 5 lbs but will if necessary. My chicks are well feathered and making the move outside this next week. What's the general consensus here on when to switch feed?

Also, I've also read to start layer feed at 18 weeks - any opinions on that? I have an . Austra White that I've read can lay as early as 12-14 weeks.

 

[DobieLover]

My chicks are 8 weeks old and I have about 5lbs left of a 50 lb bag of chick starter. I've read differing opinions on when to move from chick starter and begin growth feed. Some say 8 weeks, some say 10. I really don't really want to buy another 50 lb bag, the next size at TSC is 5 lbs but will if necessary. My chicks are well feathered and making the move outside this next week. What's the general consensus here on when to switch feed?

Also, I've also read to start layer feed at 18 weeks - any opinions on that? I have an . Austra White that I've read can lay as early as 12-14 weeks.

Here's another option: keep them on starter for life. Put out 2 or 3 containers with oyster shell in them at 16 weeks. You're done.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can stay on starter if you want, or switch to grower if you want. I don't follow a set formula. I currently have 4 different feeds due to chicks lol... my chicks and adults will be eating fermented starter and all flock until the starter runs out, then fermented grower and all flock.

When they're 16-18 weeks, you can switch to layer if you want... or wait until they actually start laying to switch over. I do the latter and switch once I actually have eggs.

 

[GC-Raptor]

My chicks are 8 weeks old and I have about 5lbs left of a 50 lb bag of chick starter. I've read differing opinions on when to move from chick starter and begin growth feed. Some say 8 weeks, some say 10.

Directions are usually on the tag on the bottom of bag.
Some Starter feed labels say switch to Grower at 6, 8 or 10 weeks. Follow label directions or stay with the Starter if Protein is 20% or less.

I buy a combo Start & Grow also called Starter-Grower. 18 to 20% Protein feed.
I feed Medicated for the first 10 weeks, then when bag is empty I switch to a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower, Start & Grow, whichever is available when I'm at TSC.

Also, I've also read to start layer feed at 18 weeks - any opinions on that? I have an . Austra White that I've read can lay as early as 12-14 weeks.

WOW, 12 to 14 weeks!
When I used to switch to a Layers feed, I did so when they showed signs of getting ready to lay.
Swollen Red Combs and Wattles, squatting when you approach or put your hand over them, and a change in behavior, like checking the nest boxes or scratching in a corner of the coop.
I mixed the Layer feed with the Starter-Grower 50/50 for a couple of weeks.
If switching to Pellets, I've found mixing with Scratch Grains and scattered on dry ground they gobbled up the pellets so they happily ate the Pellets in the feeder. Otherwise just get Layer Crumbles.

Open or install the nest boxes around 15 weeks or sooner if you see a change and put Ceramic eggs or golf balls in there.

I put out a container of Oyster Shells when 16 weeks old.

Myself I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser 18/20% Protein to my Hens 1 1/2 to 4 years old with a separate container of Oyster Shells and one of Poultry Grit. GC

 

[AppleMomma65]

Directions are usually on the tag on the bottom of bag.
Some Starter feed labels say switch to Grower at 6, 8 or 10 weeks. Follow label directions or stay with the Starter if Protein is 20% or less.

I buy a combo Start & Grow also called Starter-Grower. 18 to 20% Protein feed.
I feed Medicated for the first 10 weeks, then when bag is empty I switch to a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower, Start & Grow, whichever is available when I'm at TSC.

WOW, 12 to 14 weeks!
When I used to switch to a Layers feed, I did so when they showed signs of getting ready to lay.
Swollen Red Combs and Wattles, squatting when you approach or put your hand over them, and a change in behavior, like checking the nest boxes or scratching in a corner of the coop.
I mixed the Layer feed with the Starter-Grower 50/50 for a couple of weeks.
If switching to Pellets, I've found mixing with Scratch Grains and scattered on dry ground they gobbled up the pellets so they happily ate the Pellets in the feeder. Otherwise just get Layer Crumbles.

Open or install the nest boxes around 15 weeks or sooner if you see a change and put Ceramic eggs or golf balls in there.

I put out a container of Oyster Shells when 16 weeks old.

Myself I feed a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower or a All-Flock/Flock Raiser 18/20% Protein to my Hens 1 1/2 to 4 years old with a separate container of Oyster Shells and one of Poultry Grit. GC

Thank you! It turns out that I also use a Starter-Grower so will continue to use that until I see signs of getting ready to lay - thank you!