Advice on Feeding

[calichicken]

Hi!
I have a pair of 10 week old bantam cochins that have been on starter/grower 20% protein. The feed bag advises changing to grower/finisher that is 17%protien. Well, I went to my TSC and they only had the HUGE bag...I have just 2 little chicks. So my question...how important is it to switch them the grower/finisher? Am I OK keeping them on the starter/grower until they are ready for layer feed? I will buy the big bag of grower/finisher if that's what they really need! I want healthy girls Thanks for any advice!!!!

 

[CapricornFarm]

I used to feed chick starter until the first pullet laid an egg and then switched out to layer feed. I don't see any need to switch but others might see it differently.

 

[chickens really]

You can feed the starter till it's gone and feed the grower even once laying starts as long as you provide oyster shell in a separate bowl.....

 

[calichicken]

I used to feed chick starter until the first pullet laid an egg and then switched out to layer feed. I don't see any need to switch but others might see it differently.

Thanks! I should have looked at the ingredients bag when I was there to compare, but didn't think of it at the time..LOL! Here are.my girls!

 

[calichicken]

You can feed the starter till it's gone and feed the grower even once laying starts as long as you provide oyster shell in a separate bowl.....

Thank you! Question about the oyster shell? Is it better for powder or crushed? I tried powder previously and had no luck with my girls eating it?

 

[junebuggena]

I feed a 20% unmedicated starter to my whole flock for their whole life. The higher protein content is better for growing/developing birds, helps off set any low protein treats or forage, and helps get adults through their winter molt quickly. It's also safe for all ages, stages, and genders. There really isn't any reason why you NEED to switch. Finisher feed is usually formulated for meat-types that need a lower protein feed to control their growth rate. Layer feed is for actively laying birds only. The high calcium content is not good for birds that aren't laying.

 

[chickens really]

Thank you! Question about the oyster shell? Is it better for powder or crushed? I tried powder previously and had no luck with my girls eating it?

Crushed and they do not need it till laying...Its calcium to help with egg production...non layers do not need it...

 

[junebuggena]

Thank you! Question about the oyster shell? Is it better for powder or crushed? I tried powder previously and had no luck with my girls eating it?

Crushed. Powder is ignored, and is intended for those who mix their own feeds.

 

[calichicken]

I feed a 20% unmedicated starter to my whole flock for their whole life. The higher protein content is better for growing/developing birds, helps off set any low protein treats or forage, and helps get adults through their winter molt quickly. It's also safe for all ages, stages, and genders. There really isn't any reason why you NEED to switch. Finisher feed is usually formulated for meat-types that need a lower protein feed to control their growth rate. Layer feed is for actively laying birds only. The high calcium content is not good for birds that aren't laying.

VERY helpful! Thank you! Mine are not meat birds...that's for sure It's so crazy all the different things they have out for chickens..feed, treats ect!

 

[Baby_Annie]

How wonderful to see chickens in the living room, LOL! Your girls are beautiful!