Ok we got our chickens at about 10-12 weeks(guessed age) and started them on Starter food and some bread here and there for treats. We did that for about 2 weeks now we have them on a starter and cracked corn mix.. Is that right?? And can a roo eat layer food for the future or do we have to feed him a different kind. All my chickens free rome also...
Well, I guess it depends on what the "mix" is between the chicken feed and the cracked corn. If it's mostly chicken feed with a bit of scratch thrown in (10 percent or so), that should be fine. Yes, roosters can eat laying feed when the time comes to switch the flock over. You don't have to offer a separate feed just for him.
My chicks are on a starter/grower feed...think if they were on starter it said to go to a grower feed at 12 weeks. The scratch is for treat only...be sure you are giving them grit so they can digest it. Throw the scratch in the run or on the ground...it provides good exercise while they 'scratch' for it. BOSS is also good for them...great for their feathers. Good luck with your babes.
I prefer BOSS over scratch. It has a higher protein ratio than scratch or cracked corn, it's cheaper (at least I have found it so), and I really like the way my chickens' feathers shine! Plus, it floats, so I can toss some in the duck pool for the Cayugas when they're swimming. They love it too - although they will eat it off the ground with the chickens.
