CAN YOU HELP ME OUT HERE?

[mtadkins5]

I am getting my first chicks next week and couldn't be more excited about it

I would like to hear from all of you what you feed your chicks/chickens (brand & ages), when you feed your chicks/chickens & where you get your feed? I had plans of getting my food at Tractor Supply and the following was the plan:

DuMOR® Chick Starter/Grower 20% (0 to 10 weeks of age)

DuMOR® Poultry Grower/Finisher 15% (10 to 18 weeks of age)
DuMOR® Poultry Layer 16% Crumble over (18 weeks old)
EXTRA JUST A SCOOP HERE AND THERE

Producer's Pride® Cracked Corn (NOT SURE WHEN TO START)
Producer's Pride® Scratch Grain (NOT SURE WHEN TO START)

THESE 4 MIXED IN THEIR FOOD AS SOON AS THEY MOVE TO COOP
Manna Pro® Poultry Grit (ON THE SIDE)
Manna Pro® Oyster Shell (ON THE SIDE)
Manna Pro® Poultry Conditioner (I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYONE TALK ABOUT THIS)
Red Lake Earth® Diatomaceous Earth with Calcium Bentonite Supplement

TREATS- NOT SURE WHEN TO START
Happy Hen Treats™ Mealworm Frenzy (NOT SURE WHEN TO START)

FRUITS , VEGGIES, GARLIC, HERBS & APPLE CIDER VINAGER (IN WATER)

WHEN I BRING THEM HOME & TILL I GET THEM IN THE COOP

Manna Pro® Medicated Chick Starter
Sav-A-Chick® Electrolyte & Vitamin Supplement (IN WATER)
Sav-A-Chick® Probiotic Supplement (IN WATER)
Manna Pro® Chick Grit (ON THE SIDE)


I was told that DuMor made their poop really stink and getting it at Tractor Supply is more $$$. I want to do the right thing but be as less $$$ as it can be. I am learning so tell me me from what YOU KNOW please!

 

[megan80568]

Currently I use dumor starter/ growth crumbles for my 12 week olds and when I switch to layer I will use pellets, I have heard there is less waste. I am also going to try the Purina layer to see how that is compared to dumor. Cracked corn says not to start until an adult. I just started occasionally at 12 weeks. Fruits and veggies they love. You don't need chick grit until you start them on food other then the crumble. And lastly sav a chick is great for the water.

 

[chfite]

I fed Dumor starter, then grower finisher until they started to lay, then layer. I add diatomaceous earth to the feed to keep the poop dry and prevent flies.

For treats, they get some black oil sunflower seeds every couple of days. Mine forage all day, so they find their own supplements.

Other than feeding oyster shell when I was blending layers with pullets, I haven't used any of the other things.

Chris

 

[Debs55]

Sounds good, but in my opinion I would not start them on laying feed until they are laying. That is how I and many others have done it (not that that is the only way, just my preference). Same goes for the oyter shell; they dont need it until they start laying. Giving the extra calcium before they are laying could hurt them. As for cracked corn or scratch I usually give it as soon as they go in the coop...I usually don't give treats until they are outside because it attracts ants in my experience when they dont eat it all. I'm not sure about the diatomaceous earth because I dont put mine in the feed..I just add it to the bedding and where they dust bathe. And the chicks wont need chick grit unless they are getting treats that arent squishy or going outside on the ground..they can eat their plain feed just fine withoutout it. Also, I wouldnt waste your money on the poultry conditioner. I hope I helped with your questions!

 

[erinchelsea]

I've never used Dumor so I can't comment on that, but your feeding plan sounds right to me. You shouldn't have to add grit or oyster shell, that should be in the food. I agree with PP don't give the layer feed till they start to lay. Or oyster shell. That's for layers. You can offer that free choice in addition to their layer feed but it's not technically necessary.

The only time I give scratch or corn is in the winter when they are confined a lot, then I throw a bit on the floor for them to scratch around for. It gives them something to do. Otherwise they don't need it at all.

Sav-a-chick I only give during the summer if we are having a hot spell, or if they were under stress maybe. Mine do fine without. I do use ACV in the water, especially for new chicks.

 

[Debs55]

I've used the dumor starter/grower and like it. I've never used their layer feed though but I assume it's similar