basic feeding careguide

[briteday]

No stupid questions here. We all started out here asking questions. If it's non-medicated starter then you can keep them on it until they lay an egg or around 18-20 weeks. Before that they don't need the extra calcium , it might even damage their kidneys. At the age of laying, their kidneys are mature enough to handle the extra calcium and they need it to form good shells.

I'm thinking that the organic feed is meant for layers and has higher calcium. If that's the case then keep them on non-medicated starter until age of lay. If the organic line has a "grower" formula, minimal calcium, then you could switch at 6-8 weeks of age...and then on to layer pellets with lots of calcium (don't forget to offer oyster shell once they are laying) at 18-20 weeks.

 

[gjoyner]

So, wait till they start laying to swith to laying feed. How old will they be? Will i know when to switch when I find an egg? Also, when can I start leaving them in the coop outside? Ah i have so many questions!

 

[gumpsgirl]

The laying age will depend on the breed. Sex-link chickens start laying around 18 wks. old. Heritage breeds will lay anywhere from 20 to 28 wks. old. I switched when I found my first egg.

As far as leaving them in the coop outside goes, that all depends. If you have a heat lamp set up, along with a small area sectioned off, and the coop is draft free, they will be fine to go out from the very beginning! If you don't have a heat lamp set up for them and no way of getting one out to the coop, then you need to wait until they are fully feathered out around 7 wks. old. You also need to be sure that you have a way to lock them in tight every night to avoid any predator attacks.

 

[gjoyner]

I LOVE BYC! you guys are so fast at getting back to us newbies and I've learned sooo much!!! thanks!
p.s: At night..outside (summer) do you close them in the coop for the night..or can they have a door open for roaing in a safe locked up run? or, in the summer, does it need to be draft free?

 

[gumpsgirl]

In the summer it doesn't need to be draft free. You are mostly worried about protecting against cold drafts.

Yes! Your chickens need to be locked in tight year round at night! They will go to roost at dusk and won't want to roam until daylight again. There is no reason to leave the coop open. Racoons, possums (which you might not have to deal with where you live), dogs, cats, weasels, foxes, coyotes, etc... (the list goes on and on) all love to eat chickens and will get into your coop every chance they can get. It's best not to give them that chance.

 

[dowdschicks]

here's a question if anybody's still reading this...
my pullets, about ten weeks, have been eating the layer, so i thought of switching them all to a general flock feed, or would the grower be better even though i have seasoned laying hens?