Changing feed? newbie here.......

[frstchknz]

This is my first experience with chickens. I'm so happy that I decided to jump into this! I'm having so much fun and learning so much from this site and the forums.
My question is... my chicks are now 6 weeks old and the bag of chick starter that I purchased is getting low. I bought a local brand (sorry not sure what it is without running out to the coop) but it is a 20% chick starter. I have noticed that the crumbles seem to turn to almost dust after just a short time of them pecking at it. Is this normal? I've been dumping it every day and giving them fresh crumbles. Is there a feed that won't do this? it just seems wasteful to me. Also, I was thinking about changing their feed to Purina, which is more readily available for me. The store that I purchased the first feed from is not open on the weekends. The store that sells Purina is. Should I mix the two feeds together before I run out so that they get used to the new feed?
Thank you for your help

 

[Fred's Hens]

In my experience, mixing is OK, but don't be surprised it a) they don't care and just eat or b) pick through for what they like. You just never know.

I change feeds with some regularity. If I get a coupon or sale or a deal on feed, I have to buy it. Feed costs are so high. The birds adjust very, very quickly.
I much, much prefer pellets. There is so much less waste. 6 weeks old is a little young for that. You'll have to deal with crumbles a little while longer, but can wet the dust and make a mash, which they will eat.

 

[Judy]

You could try something solid like a scrap of plywood under the feeder to catch what gets kicked out; they will eat most of the spill this way. Now and then I let one feeder run completely empty so they clean up the fine stuff. I agree, I'd make the next bag pellets. I also change brands, mostly depending on what store I'm in, so i guess mine are used to it. If you do switch to pellets, I'd definitely save some of the old and mix them together for a while. The pellets throw some birds for a loop, some even get rebellious about it, but they will eat when they get hungry. Another approach is to smash some of the pellets down and mix the result in with the rest of the pellets.

 

[frstchknz]

Fred's Hens :

In my experience, mixing is OK, but don't be surprised it a) they don't care and just eat or b) pick through for what they like. You just never know.

I change feeds with some regularity. If I get a coupon or sale or a deal on feed, I have to buy it. Feed costs are so high. The birds adjust very, very quickly.
I much, much prefer pellets. There is so much less waste. 6 weeks old is a little young for that. You'll have to deal with crumbles a little while longer, but can wet the dust and make a mash, which they will eat.

Thank you for your reply. I like the idea of making it into a mash, I might try that.

We only have two stores that are remotely near to me and when I ask them questions of course they tell me I need to feed what they sell, and not what the other store sells..

I will continue with the crumbles until they're old enough for big girl food.. thanks!

 

[frstchknz]

Quote:
Thank you .. I don't have a problem with alot of the food getting kicked out on the floor. I have the feeder hanging at about chest level and they do pretty well with it that way. I did leave it go one time for them to clean up the dust, but then I started feeling guilty that they might be hungry

I will try the pellets when they get a little older.
thanks

 

[Arielle]

I collect the "fines", the tiny leftovers, and mix it with yogurt to make a mash. For my 2 month olds, I mix fines into a soup of chopped vegies, apples, you name it and water or yogurt. I hate waste--so I store the fines until I have time.

 

[Clay Mudd]

Quote:
I do the same thing. Even if all I do is moisten it with water, the girls go wild over it.

 

[MeowCluckBark]

I've been just letting the extra go to the floor with the pellets I use for bedding. They scratch and eat things down there anyway I figure I might as well let them have food there. I have yet to need to do anything with their food dish but refill it. This is my 3rd batch of itty bitty babies now and they are doing great. I did try the yogurt + food mix tonight so I could see if I could get them to eat yogurt. They do love that.