Being given some meaties and have no idea what to do...

[mychookschick]

Hello,

My family and I were interested in getting some meaties this spring, but someone offered to give us some that they don't want. They are WAY over age to be butchered so, we plan to do it ASAP. They were bought at a day old in June 2010. I plan to keep them atleast a few days to make sure that there aren't any worms or anything like that, but I need to know about feed...

Do they need different feed than I feed my layers? (Blue Seal Layer Pellets)
Do they need some sort of a finisher grain? Or are they passed that point?

Once I go pick them up, they will be staying in a temporary "coop" that we built last fall... Completely separate from the layers.

Anything else that I need to know would be GREATLY appreaciated! Thanks so much!!

 

[bigredfeather]

If they are that old I wouldn't get too worried about what type feed to give them. If it where me, I would just give them some crimped corn for the next few days. no use in using more expensive feed, as they are more than ready.

 

[mychookschick]

Ok.... Thanks! Another Question:

Is crimped corn the same as cracked corn? Or will it do the same thing??

Thanks for putting up with my dumb questions!! LOL!

 

[mychookschick]

Anyone?? I am picking them up this afternoon, so I need to know...

 

[krcote]

Bump

 

[jenny_kap]

cracked corn or wheat are very good to feed your chicken. i make the food for my meat chickens by cracked corn+wheat+sunflower seed and i feed them with this after they are 4 weeks old. they don't grow that fast anymore, but i don't need quantity, i need quality. that's why i feed them natural feed.

 

[mychookschick]

Hey...

I went and picked them up! I had googled crimped corn, and found that it was basicly the same thing, so I just got cracked corn. They seemed to like it... I only gave them a little because she had already fed them today. I think (since they will only be here a few days) I will only feed them twice a day (I've heard they will eat everything they see, so no free choice).

There are only four birds... Is one large coffee can full a day enough? (Half at each feeding)