Can anyone help me with feed?

[kerbotx]

There are different kinds of calcium supplements/oyster shell products out there... I use the old standby from Manna Pro that looks like little white rocks, that consists of shell particles & coral calcium. But they really prefer the real oyster shells, which I've been getting from Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vibrant-Life-Poultry-Oyster-Shells-5-lbs/796742456 . A bit expensive, but you may be able to find a local source that's more reasonable.

 

[PVILLAGO]

To add to this thread my question is when I get my pullets they need a starter grow feed for how long? Do they need anything else? When do I introduce scratch? So worried I eont6feed them properly. TIA

 

[rosemarythyme]

To add to this thread my question is when I get my pullets they need a starter grow feed for how long? Do they need anything else? When do I introduce scratch? So worried I eont6feed them properly. TIA

Assuming you want to switch to layer feed later on, I would keep them on grower until they begin laying.

Scratch is just chicken candy. If you want to feed them some, keep the amount minimal (under 10% of their daily intake).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When my chicks are a couple of weeks old I provide chick grit for two or three days, then start offering dried mealworms as a treat, just a few. The reason I do this has nothing to do with nutrition and everything to do with conditioning, or training. I want them to associate me and my voice with good things and learn to come running when I call. Much later, perhaps when they are almost fledged, I begin to add a little scratch as it's cheaper than worms. As stated above, scratch is neither food nor necessary, it is a treat.

 

[PVILLAGO]

When my chicks are a couple of weeks old I provide chick grit for two or three days, then start offering dried mealworms as a treat, just a few. The reason I do this has nothing to do with nutrition and everything to do with conditioning, or training. I want them to associate me and my voice with good things and learn to come running when I call. Much later, perhaps when they are almost fledged, I begin to add a little scratch as it's cheaper than worms. As stated above, scratch is neither food nor necessary, it is a treat.

Thank you very much. I agree with the training and conditioning . But one question. Why offer chick grit for 2 or 3 days? What is the purpose?

 

[PVILLAGO]

Assuming you want to switch to layer feed later on, I would keep them on grower until they begin laying.

Scratch is just chicken candy. If you want to feed them some, keep the amount minimal (under 10% of their daily intake).

Thank you very much. I am a checklist, organizer and I just feel like I need to create a checklist of how this should go and trying to make sure I am prepared for their arrival. You know kind of like preparing to bring a newborn home. You want to make sure you have all the things you need before they arrive and once they arrive you need to follow a flow chart Like 1. Have Coop Ready 2. Have proper food on hand 3. Have your First Aid Kit on hand 4. Get pullets. ETC.,, this is the way my brain works. It's due to my professional work background. I've always had checklist and flowcharts.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thank you very much. I agree with the training and conditioning . But one question. Why offer chick grit for 2 or 3 days? What is the purpose?

I just like to be sure their little gizzards are properly primed and ready with grit before I give them anything besides chick crumbles. Probably isn't completely necessary but I'd rather be too careful than not careful enough.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Thank you so much this is so very helpful. I am newer to chickens, I know with other animals protein levels are reduced as the animal gets older. Too much protein can be harmful too! What is a good protein amount for chickens?

Im new as well but after being on BYC reading tons and tons, i will keep my 6 pullets on starter feed at 20% protein crumble with a side of oyster shells for the entirety of their lives. I do not plan on adding roosters so i think I’ll be all set.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

To add to this thread my question is when I get my pullets they need a starter grow feed for how long? Do they need anything else? When do I introduce scratch? So worried I eont6feed them properly. TIA

I still have mine on starter feed b/c of the protein content. If you take a picture of the feed label, it should show all the %’s and the the pros here will look and give you their opinion. Chickens should get all the nutrients they need from their feed. Knowing what they need is the learning curve that these lovely chicken people can teach us. Things like lysine/amino acids are very important. Some plants/herbs can be provided as supplements to compensate for some lower #’s but i dont know too much about that -Yet! I introduced scratch (candy) at 16 weeks or so and only throw a very small amount to get they back into the coop after freerange time. I have read that no more than 10% of their diets should be treats/scraps and such. Good luck!!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I still have mine on starter feed b/c of the protein content. If you take a picture of the feed label, it should show all the %’s and the the pros here will look and give you their opinion. Chickens should get all the nutrients they need from their feed. Knowing what they need is the learning curve that these lovely chicken people can teach us. Things like lysine/amino acids are very important. Some plants/herbs can be provided as supplements to compensate for some lower #’s but i dont know too much about that -Yet! I introduced scratch (candy) at 16 weeks or so and only throw a very small amount to get they back into the coop after freerange time. I have read that no more than 10% of their diets should be treats/scraps and such. Good luck!!