Best starter and grower and more

[DolceVita]

So first question what is the best brand of starter and grower to get? I used dumor but they aren’t producing starter and grower any more.

Next: Is it ok to mix brands of feed? Like I have a locally packaged starter and grower that I’m trying to finish up and then I’m also using Naturewise in another feeder... is this ok to do?

Next: I have a coop with 8 chickens 5 are 4-5 months, 1 is 3 months, and 2 are maybe 5 weeks. How will I feed them when the 5 chickens are ready to go on the layer feed? Can everyone have it?

 

[NatJ]

So first question what is the best brand of starter and grower to get? I used dumor but they aren’t producing starter and grower any more.

When did that happen? The Tractor Supply website says I can order it shipped to my store for pickup--I would expect that means they are still producing it?

I have no idea what brand is best, but I think most brands are OK.

Next: Is it ok to mix brands of feed? Like I have a locally packaged starter and grower that I’m trying to finish up and then I’m also using Naturewise in another feeder... is this ok to do?

Should be fine.

Next: I have a coop with 8 chickens 5 are 4-5 months, 1 is 3 months, and 2 are maybe 5 weeks. How will I feed them when the 5 chickens are ready to go on the layer feed? Can everyone have it?

Everyone have layer feed: no.
Everyone have starter or grower: yes.
Just put out a dish of oyster shell, too.

The only special thing about layer feed is how much calcium it has. Layers need the calcium, but it is bad for non-layers. Putting out oyster shell lets the layers help themselves, and the younger ones just leave it alone. (They may try a bite of two, but they will not eat enough to hurt themselves.)

 

[rosemarythyme]

"Best" is whatever you can get fresh, locally.

I use 2 different types of feed simultaneously but I don't technically mix them (one is served dry, one is fermented).

x2 NatJ on how to handle feeding a mixed age flock.