basic feeding careguide

[CcJ]

I am trying to get chickens and I want to get some good info and make helpful topic for others. Post what you feed your flock, some dietary needs of chickens, and any tricks or helpful hints you've learned.

 

[Cats Critters]

Post what you feed your flock

I feed mine Droumer (I don't think I spelled that right), Oyster shells, grit and treats.

some dietary needs of chickens

I recommend reading the back of the feed bags, tells you when to change to a different feed like from starter to layer, when you start giving them treats give them grit, and when they start laying give them Oyster shells

hints you've learned.

Here is a treat chart: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart​

 

[CcJ]

is this thread just going to die down?

 

[dowdschicks]

Dont die! i was wondering the same things! one of my hens is sick, and i just found out they have a general flock feed. my 4 hens have been getting layer and the rooster also. that might not be good for him? I think maybe during the winter, my chickens were literally cooped up, and maybe the general flock feed would have been better for them too, since they lay way less eggs in the winter? dont feed layer to chicks - too much calcium is bad for them.

 

[Cats Critters]

my 4 hens have been getting layer and the rooster also. that might not be good for him?

It's fine most peoples roos are on it with no problems.

I think maybe during the winter, my chickens were literally cooped up, and maybe the general flock feed would have been better for them too, since they lay way less eggs in the winter?

No, keep them on layer but you could give them a couple of handfuls of scratch to help keep them warm.​

 

[gjoyner]

I have a quick quesiton. Rigth now my chicks are about 2 weeks old..when do I switch them to something else besides starter? That is what they are eating right now. What do I give them to eat after starter and when do I start?
Thanks!

 

[briteday]

Our feed store gal tells me that when you run out of starter any time after 6 weeks you can go to a grower feed, if you prefer. The chicks can stay on stuff like Purina Start 'n Grow until they lay an egg, but alot of people prefer not to feed medicated starter if they are soon to be laying eggs, they don't want to eat the anti-cocci med that is in the starter. This isn't a problem if you are feeding non-medicated starter. The grower feed that our store carries is very similar to the chick starter, same protein % etc. So some people here do move to the grower feed until they reach laying stage and then feed layer pellets or crumbles.

 

[digitS']

I think that the reason this thread is so quiet is because you've gotten very good advice from those who have offered it.

At least, it sure seems that way to me . . .

Steve

 

[gjoyner]

So i can keep feeding them the starter until they lay eggs? It's non medicated. I wanted to switch to organic feed when I can. When could i start doing that? Are these stupid questions? I guess I cant know the answer till I ask the question!

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
I always tell my kids that no question is ever a stupid one! How will you learn if you never ask?!?!

Most people feed their chickens starter/grower feed all the way to the point of lay then switch them over to layer feed. That would be fine. If you are anxious to start them on the organic layer feed, then I'd wait until 18 to 19 wks. before you switched them. The layer feed has extra calcium added to it that the pullets do not need until they start laying, so you need to be careful there.