changing feed brand/type

[SanDeezy]

First time chicken owner.
My chicks are 6 weeks old. They've been on the brand of crumble they were fed where they hatched. Would like to change to Scratch N Peck starter/grower.

Do I approach it the same way I would with a dog or cat—changing it a bit at at time?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Blackberry18]

The brooding period is over, so change directly to Grower. Afterwards, once laying begins, feed Layer.

 

[aart]

Not a bad idea to change over more slowly by mixing an increasing proportion of new to old feed.


Another option to feeding the various 'growth stage/age' types of feed:

I like to feed a 'flock raiser' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and all molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided during molting and if I see any feather eating.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer.

 

[rainbowhatchery]

I dont slowly mix either just switch them. I think the big issue of slowly mixing comes from people and dogs in the house because mixing can give animals the runs a little, if its an outside animal thats not really such a big deal for a day or two.

 

[aart]

I dont slowly mix either just switch them. I think the big issue of slowly mixing comes from people and dogs in the house because mixing can give animals the runs a little, if its an outside animal thats not really such a big deal for a day or two.

Well, a feed change can affect any animals digestive system....
...and it cal also can depend on the form of the feed, say if going from mash to crumble or pellet it can throw them off eating all together.

 

[rainbowhatchery]

I agree with the style change. We only feed pellets so if we get new birds in sometimes there is a strike period but we have never had one starve or anything, eventually they get hungry enough they will eat. Its like us when we were kids and our green vegetable lol, sit their long enough and you will choke them down lol

 

[Woodsdweller]

I agree with the style change. We only feed pellets so if we get new birds in sometimes there is a strike period but we have never had one starve or anything, eventually they get hungry enough they will eat. Its like us when we were kids and our green vegetable lol, sit their long enough and you will choke them down lol

Hopefully after choking them down you don't yak them back after. Hey!! It happens! Or did it only happen with me?

Oh.. and I just change over as it hasn't seemed to affect any cluckers I've ever had.